DOM TYSON says Melbourne’s players "walk a bit taller" with some new, experienced hands beside them, and are playing with more confidence as a result.
"They've been huge, blokes like Jeff [Garlett] and Heritier [Lumumba] ... They're proven themselves at other clubs and have been part of some good teams," Tyson said on Thursday.
"Both played really well for us [in round one] and have been really good over the whole pre-season, and Sam Frost and Ben Newton have both really played their role.
Match preview: Giants v Demons
"Looking around, it probably makes you walk a bit taller knowing there's a bloke like Heritier, who has played 200 games and in a premiership is running out with you.
"There's a bit more confidence around the club, definitely. We had a pretty good pre-season, a hard pre-season, so good preparation allowed us to go in relatively confident to the weekend."
The former Greater Western Sydney midfielder is predicting a tough encounter with his ex-club this weekend, given the Giants have also bolstered their young talent with ready-made players.
Since Tyson left GWS at the end of 2013, the likes of Shane Mumford, Heath Shaw and Jed Lamb, along with off-season acquisitions Ryan Griffen and Joel Patfull, have been recruited.
He said there were definitely comparisons between where the lists of both clubs were at, and backed a reinvigorated Mark Jamar to stand tall in a big battle with Mumford in the ruck.
"There are a few parallels with the mix of experience and youth, and we're not in a too dissimilar a position and it makes for a pretty good hit out on Saturday," he said.
"The Giants have improved a lot and have a lot of really good young talent so it will be a tough hit out.
"Mark Jamar is in great touch as well, so he adds plenty for us and is almost like a new player in a way. He's playing great footy and is getting better with age so it's great to have him up and firing, with a big challenge this week against Shane Mumford."
It will be the third time Tyson has lined up against his former team and is prepared for on-field banter from former housemate Stephen Coniglio.
But he's more focused on the Demons getting off to their best start to the season since 2005; the last time they won consecutive games at the start of a season.
"It's just another side for me now. It's my second year at the Dees and I had two years at the Giants so it sort of feels like I'm in a similar position anyway," he said.
"To start one and zip is something we haven't done for a fair few years now, so it's a good position to be in, but it doesn't mean much if we can't back it up."
Tyson said he expected Chris Dawes (suspension) and Bernie Vince (hamstring) to be named this week after missing round one.
"They're class players for us and very seasoned so I think they'll be able to find a spot for them this week, and it will be exciting to have those two back in the mix if they get through today," he said.
"It's a good problem to have, trying to fit 25 or 26 blokes into 22. It just gives us good depth.
"It will be pretty hot today at training."
