The sight of Heath Shaw in the Giants' orange strip was taking some getting used to, but the former Collingwood star should give his new outfit a major boost in the coming years.
Having picked up a total of just three wins over its first two seasons in the AFL, GWS knows it has to produce some far more competitive football in year three.
With Shaw, Shane Mumford and Josh Hunt all on board, and Jed Lamb to be selected in the NAB AFL pre-season draft, Giants midfielder Adam Treloar is bullish about their prospects of rapid improvement.
"The first two years were all about development," Treloar told AFL.com.au.
"This year we're going to strive for at least five or six wins. We'd like to really match what the Gold Coast did in their third year and bringing in these players is definitely going to benefit us younger blokes.
"I think we can even win more than that if we really gel and set the standards throughout pre-season.
"Everyone here is focused on the big picture. That's what I've believed in here from the start."
The Giants announced a new five-year, multi-million dollar deal with Virgin Australia, who will be their new co-major partner.
Their home ground will now be known as Giants Stadium, a move to help build brand recognition and crowds at their plush home.
GWS is hopeful of a sell-out when it opens the 2014 campaign at the ground against the Sydney Swans and is also talking up its chances of knocking off its cross-town rival for the first time.
"It's one of our most important games for the year," Treloar said.
"We're hoping we can match it with them and we obviously believe we can.
"We're going to prepare all pre-season for that game.
"Let's just hope we can give them a run for their money and beat them."
Naturally disappointed to miss out on Buddy Franklin, who will make his bow with the Swans against the Giants on March 15, the AFL's youngest club will still stand taller in round one.
Having the big-bodied Mumford on board, in particular, will boost the young GWS line-up.
"It was disappointing, any team would want Buddy Franklin, but in the end it worked out well for us and for him," Treloar said.
"We got over it very quickly and picking up 'Mummy' and Heath Shaw is as good as getting Buddy Franklin.
"The biggest position we needed to fill was a ruckman.
"Joffa (Jonathan Giles) has been really good for us over the last two years, but bringing in Mumford, he's just at a whole new level.
"He's had that premiership experience and he's going to benefit Joffa so much."
Treloar was also adjusting to seeing Shaw in his new strip.
"It just looks so weird seeing him in the Giants' gear," he said.
"You're so used to seeing him in the Collingwood gear wearing the No.39.
"It's doesn't look like Heath Shaw – but it's him.
"In round one we'll have Heath Shaw, Josh Hunt and Curtly Hampton who can all take our kick-ins.
"I can't wait."
Twitter: @AFL_JD
