GREATER Western Sydney players are under no illusions about the significant inroads they must make in 2013, young midfielder Stephen Coniglio says.
The Giants finished with just one win and 21 losses for a last-place finish in their second season in the competition in 2013.
Coniglio knows that sort of win-loss ratio won't be acceptable next season.
"It's a big year for us," Coniglio told reporters at the club's Community Camp in Canberra.
"This is it. This is really the year where we do need to step up to the plate."
The 19-year-old is approaching his first pre-season without any niggles for the first time since arriving at the Giants, and it's something he is relishing.
"So far pre-season's been pretty solid, but hopefully I can get through to December and the games will flow pretty quickly after that," he said.
Coniglio believes the recruitment of experienced players, including Shane Mumford, Heath Shaw, Josh Hunt and Dylan Addison will be beneficial in the young group's development.
"It's a lot different to how it's been in the last couple of years … and it's been great for the boys around the club, just to look to these guys for advice," Coniglio said.
"They've been all around successful clubs, finals footy and premiership sides – that's ultimately where we want to get to."
Mumford said the logical progression of the club's young players would have the Giants well positioned to make a move up the ladder.
"With a few extra years of experience and the young guys going into their second or third years now; it's a massive thing," Mumford said.
"I think one of my best years would've been my third year. Your body gets more used to the rigours of AFL footy and hopefully they won't tire as quickly this year."
