Harry Himmelberg was the exception in 2018.
In 2019, he hopes his consistency can become the rule.
The 22-year-old was one of just five GIANTS to play all 24 matches last season, with his switch to playing forward full-time yielding 29 goals in an impressive third year at the club.
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He was a model of durability and reliability in a forward line dealt more than its fair share of injuries, but Himmelberg is excited about the prospects of a fully-functioning attack in 2019.
“I’m really confident about our forward line being a real weapon,” Himmelberg said.
“We’ve got lots of guys who bring different traits.
“I’ve seen the younger boys this year through the pre-season have really been stepping up as well. So there’ll be competition for spots there – that’s what you have at all successful clubs.”
Although Himmelberg stood up to the challenge marvellously when he found himself a key focal point for the GIANTS in the second half of last season – with Jon Patton out injured and Jeremy Cameron serving a suspension – he’s looking forward to the attack finding stability and becoming a force in 2019.
Dynamic forward Toby Greene is back running strongly after an interrupted 2018, while Jon Patton is working his way back from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in July.
“I’m just really looking forward to this year, hopefully getting that continuity with ‘Jez’ (Jeremy Cameron) and Toby, and then possibly Jonny later in the year, to have a real impact and get some consistency in the forward line, which is something we lacked last year,” Himmelberg said.
“Getting that synergy as a forward line, it helps with having players who are familiar with each other, and that’s what all the good sides have: a forward line that ‘clicks’.
“That’s the goal for me: to get on the same page as all the other forwards that are there.
“We’ll look to improve our little individual things that we need to, but I think as far as a forward line and team goes, that synergy will be key in us winning games.”
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On a personal note, Himmelberg is also ready to take his game to the next level in 2019.
As a young, developing player, Himmelberg swung from forward to defence in the 16 games he played across his first two seasons, with 2017 also yielding nine goals.
He was the GIANTS’ second-most prolific goalkicker last year with his 29 goals, only behind seven-time leading goal kicker Jeremy Cameron (46). Stephen Coniglio (24) and mature recruit Zac Langdon (21) were the next best, while Toby Greene kicked 16 goals across his nine appearances.
“Having those couple of years in the backline really helped with my development and fast-tracked me as a player,” Himmelberg said.
“Learning to play defence really helps – a lot of clubs do that now with young key (position) players.
“(Last year,) I just wanted to cement my spot in the AFL side, which I sort of ended up doing, playing every game.
“But it’s just about going onwards and upwards from there this year, which is the hardest part for any player: improving every year.”
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And Himmelberg plans to leave no stone unturned in his quest for self-improvement.
While the GIANTS embark on a gruelling pre-season under the watchful eye of new physical performance manager Nick Poulos, Himmelberg says he’s keen to draw on every resource around him – particularly the knowledge of his coaches and fellow forwards – in a bid to maximise his year-on-year improvement.
