AFTER a one-win season that left the young Greater Western Sydney squad "struggling" and keen for it to end, the cavalry arrives next week ready to give the third-year club a major boost.
On Monday, premiership-winning duo Shane Mumford and Heath Shaw, who came on board during last month's trade period, will take part in their first training sessions as Giants.
Former Western Bulldog Dylan Addison will also be there, along with ex-Sydney Swan Jed Lamb, who will be taken in the upcoming pre-season draft.
Josh Hunt has been given some extra time off and will hit the track in early December.
In Chad Cornes, Luke Power, James McDonald and Dean Brogan, GWS has had some experienced, decorated players around to assist at training and on the field for their first steps in the AFL.
But in Mumford and Shaw in particular, they have two 27-year-olds still in their absolute prime.
"There is definitely a sense of excitement in the air," Giants midfielder Toby Greene told AFL.com.au.
"Towards the end of last year everyone was struggling a bit and waiting for the season to end. I think that was the mood.
"But everyone has come back really excited for pre-season.
"Getting those guys in the trade period has really helped. It should be awesome."
Mumford dropped into the club this week and has already made an impression, easing his 108kg frame into a few weights sessions.
"I met 'Mummy' this week," Greene said.
"He just came in to say hello and was doing a few weights. He's pretty big, the big fella. It was great to meet him and I'm sure he'll fit in fine.
"I can't wait to have the whole team together.
"Mumford, Hunt and Shaw, they've all played in premierships and Grand Finals and it'll be interesting to see what it's like when they come to training.
"We haven't really had that before."
New head coach Leon Cameron is another keenly awaiting the arrival of his experienced weapons as the new-look team starts to take shape.
Cameron has been pleased with the attitude and fitness of his young charges since they came back from their off-season breaks and knows they will all receive a boost on Monday at Tom Wills Oval.
"It'll be terrific," Cameron said.
"Those guys are starting to trickle in and resume their training program, but a lot of them will officially hit the track on Monday.
"It'll be great for us and a good lift for our young fellas who have presented themselves really well since they've come back."
Greene is one young Giant who is hoping to recapture his best after a difficult second season at senior level.
Runner-up in the club best and fairest in 2012, Greene found the going much tougher in the following year.
Facing more scrutiny from the opposition, the 20-year-old was used in a variety of roles but struggled to adapt, leading to him being dropped following the round 14 clash with North Melbourne.
"It was definitely a learning year," he said. "I didn't have as much output as I did my first year, but I definitely learned more.
"It's obviously not good being dropped, but I think I deserved it.
"I was supposed to play on Brent Harvey and didn't do as good a job as they expected.
"So I went back and played twos for a week and was able to get back in.
"I think I handled it well. It was a hard year for the team, we were obviously hoping to win a few more games, but that didn’t happen.
"I think everyone's looking forward to a new start this year and see how we go, especially with those boys coming in."
For Greene, round one against the Swans at Giants Stadium can't come soon enough.
"I can't wait. It should be a massive game," he said.
"Hopefully we sell it out and give the Swannies a run."
Twitter: @AFL_JD
