GUN YOUNGSTER Tim Taranto looks set to push for more midfield time next year after blitzing Greater Western Sydney's time trial on Monday.
Taranto, the club's number two pick at the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, took out the Giants' 3km test ahead of Daniel Lloyd, rookie Jake Stein, Will Setterfield and former Collingwood big man Lachie Keeffe, with around a dozen youngsters back for the first session of the pre-season.
The 19-year-old was brilliant in his debut season playing across half forward, and although a serious ankle injury limited him to 14 games, he was recalled for the Giants' last two finals.
Taranto looks set to star as an inside midfielder in the years to come, and told the GWS website he was excited to get things started in his second season.
"I was pretty pumped to get started and get back into it," he said.
"It’s a pretty dreadful day but once you get over the 3kms, it’s just good to be around the boys again and I’m glad it's over.
"A fair few boys looked in really good shape.
"Pez (Harry Perryman) looked like he’s trimmed down a little bit, Zac Sproule and Matt Flynn are looking good, so there are a few boys who’ve obviously put in the work over the break."
Keeffe impressed in his first hit-out with the Giants after arriving in Sydney as a delisted free agent earlier this month, giving coach Leon Cameron an athletic ruck/key position option after the retirement of Shane Mumford.
The Giants' big names will start their pre-season training on December 4.