GREATER Western Sydney begins its third season on Saturday determined to build on just the three victories it has picked up over its short existence.
While the struggle to win games remains of paramount importance, there is another tally being keenly observed by some of the Giants – the race towards 50 club games.
Entering year three, ruckman Jonathan Giles leads the way with 42 GWS appearances, just ahead of his flatmate Callan Ward (41 games) and another midfielder in Tom Scully (40).
Adam Treloar, Devon Smith and Toby Greene are next on 38, followed by Jeremy Cameron (37), Phil Davis, Curtly Hampton and Tim Mohr (all on 35).
Davis, the only Giant to play all 22 games in year one, had led the way for some time before a back injury last season halted his progress.
In an era where games can be so difficult to get through and players are often reluctant to look too far ahead towards milestones, Giles concedes the race for 50 has been noted.
"I have seen that," Giles told AFL.com.au with a hearty laugh. "I've had a bit of a joke with (Davis) about it because he's right up there too, another South Australian boy.
"There's a lot of banter about that and it's all good fun.
"If someone has a bit of a niggle, between us we'll say 'you're going to miss training' or 'you're going to miss this game'.
"We challenge each other to get better and stay on the park, I guess.
"As much as footy is a competitive sport against other teams, players like to challenge each other and that's a way to get each other up and get the best out of each other.
"It's been great living with 'Wardy', he's really professional and we bounce off each other and learn from each other."
It promises to be a close race, considering of the 10 players listed above, nine will be on display against the Sydney Swans in the club’s season opener.
Only Tim Mohr, who is battling a foot injury, is currently sidelined, and is tipped to remain so for the next three or four weeks.
It adds a little extra intrigue to a season when the Giants are widely tipped to at least quadruple their win tally from last year, if not more.
The fact Giles is in such a milestone race is remarkable considering he spent four years on Port Adelaide's list without ever receiving an opportunity.
It has been a long road, but the 26-year-old is often seen with a broad smile stretched across his bearded face and says he wouldn't change a thing.
"We're in a very fortunate situation being AFL footballers, we get to do what we love doing every day," Giles said.
"Coming from Port Adelaide and getting here, I never take anything for granted and look back on that time with really good memories.
"Being at Port and even in the SANFL with Central Districts and Sturt, it's important to never take things for granted, never burn bridges and build on all your experiences.
"Whether they're bad or good experiences, you always learn from them and try not to make the same mistakes twice.
"If I had my time again, I probably wouldn't do anything different. I've enjoyed the journey. It moulds you into who you are today."
With Shane Mumford now at the club, Giles has been experimenting with a new role in defence, the spot where he will initially line-up against the Swans.
Some new additions, plus the continued improvement of their young talent, means the Giants are quietly confident they will no longer be the easy beats of the competition.
"The boys are pretty pumped to get into things after a big pre-season," Giles said.
"We've got the new facilities (at Homebush Bay) which have been fantastic for us and now it's like a real footy club.
"We've got the weights, the ice baths, meeting rooms, all in one area. We're all settled and focused on the footy."
"Every club is bigger, faster, and stronger and we've made some inroads into that with our pre-season.
"There's definitely some optimism and positivity coming into the season.
"We're looking to improve on last year and really challenge sides."
