That's the opinion of Sydney Swans defender Ted Richards, who will get a first hand look at GWS' development in round one of the NAB Cup this Sunday.
While they only won two games last year, the Giants have built a young list littered with potential and Richards admitted he was concerned about how good the Swans' cross-town rival could become.
"That's a reality," the All Australian defender said.
"With so many first round draft picks, they're inevitably going to have success.
"You could see glimpses last year of what they're capable of and if they hold that list together, they're certainly going to be a really powerful club.
"Yes they're young, but you have to respect just how much talent they've got.
"We're going to really respect them this weekend and expect to come in for a hard game."
There is plenty of interest in Sunday's NAB Cup games at Blacktown featuring the defending premiers, the young Giants and a Carlton side making its first official appearance under new coach Mick Malthouse.
While he is wary of the Giants' potential, Richards doesn't appear too fazed about losing bragging rights to his fellow Sydneysiders just yet.
"I don't know if it's about beating down on 'little brother' while we can," he said.
"We want to win every game.
"It's a great rivalry and has got a lot of interest in the NSW market.
"It's good playing them in the NAB Cup, we can get another glimpse of how they're developing and what we're going to see when we play them in round one (of the AFL season)."
Brothers will be astrong theme of the Swans' first competitive game for the season, with Xavier Richards and Brandon Jack – younger brothers of Ted and Kieren respectively – making their first appearances for the Swans.
Both are currently on the rookie list and are part of a host of Swans who will get a chance to impress at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Along with stars such as Jude Bolton, Lewis Jetta and Ryan O'Keefe, fringe players like Tony Armstrong, Tommy Walsh and Andrejs Everitt will get a shot alongside some of the club's youngsters.
"There's a real hunger from those guys that didn't get to play in the premiership last year to make their way into the team and be part of it," Richards said.
"Those guys are aware of the opportunity right now because they all want to be part of the team in round one.
"A guy like Rhyce Shaw may not be playing this week, but he'll be back, and the guys that come in have to fight hard to retain their spot."
Ted Richards is a $302,600 defender in AFL Fantasy. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy hub.
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD
