A frustrating end to the 2024 season hasn't stopped the Giants from feeling "upbeat" for what's ahead, with the club's newest wave of draft additions already catching the eye of their senior teammates.
GWS bowed out of the finals race with successive defeats despite holding strong advantages in both matches against eventual grand finalists Sydney and Brisbane.
The sour cessation to their latest campaign under Adam Kingsley was compounded weeks later as 13 players were penalised by the AFL for their participation in controversial post-season celebrations, with six handed suspensions ranging from two to four weeks.
Turning their attention to a new chapter in the hunt for a maiden premiership, the Giants are excited for "what's to come", with players on the fringe eager to leave their impression this pre-season as a number of spots in Adam Kingsley's best side are up for grabs.
GWS bid farewell to quartet Isaac Cumming (Adelaide), Nick Haynes (Carlton), Harry Perryman (Collingwood) and James Peatling (Adelaide) in the off-season, creating opportunities for those who were left to watch the club fall short in the finals this year.
Among those is young utility Conor Stone, who toldย Zero Hangerย there is a buzz around training in Sydney's west this summer.
"Everyone's pretty upbeat and excited about the season ahead," he said.
"Obviously, there was a bit of disappointment to how the season ended last year and how we went out in the finals, but there's a lot of excitement about what's to come.
"Especially for blokes in my position, where we're on the fringe and then a couple of spots have opened up through the trade period, it's exciting to have that opportunity ahead."
Stone has commenced his preparations for 2025 in Kingsley's defensive pack, having made the move from the forward line to defence midway through this year.
Working alongside the team's star-studded backline and against their lively forwards, Stone has gotten a close look at the Giants' pre-season standouts.
12 months ago it was Academy graduate Harvey Thomas who impressed before enjoying a 22-game rookie season, while speedster Darcy Jones also broke through for an AFL debut prior to cementing his place in Kingsley's plans.
This year, hard-nosed half-back Harrison Oliver has emerged as someone who "looks like he's going to be a good player" for GWS, with fellow first-year flanker Cody Angove also catching Stone's eye.
"The one last year that really stood out and it translated to on-field performance was Harvey Thomas. There's a no-fuss attitude about the way he goes about his footy. So that was really impressive. Darcy's obviously got some unbelievable traits," he said.
"Then all the draftees are getting eased into it a little bit but they've all showed signs. Harry Oliver, he's another half-back, he looks like he's going to be a good player for us. Cody Angove has had a couple of little highlights as well so far.
"The way Adrian (Caruso, recruiting manager) and the recruiting team go about their business is bringing in players that suit our system, and so it makes the transition for them a little bit easier into AFL footy.
"The boys have certainly shown their attributes and showed that they will fit into the Giants system, so it's a real credit to them so far."
The Giants' 2025 campaign will get underway in early March against Collingwood at Engie Stadium as part of the Opening Round fixture, while the club will also host Carlton in Canberra for their Community Series draw on Friday, February 28.
