“We’ve got a lot of third-year players and we’re going to really drive the year,” Bugg said.
The GIANTS’ class of 2012 - which includes pre-listed players Bugg, Jeremy Cameron, Dylan Shiel, Curtly Hampton and Adam Treloar as well as top draft picks Jonathon Patton, Stephen Coniglio, Devon Smith and Toby Greene - have two years at AFL level under their belt and are ready to take another step up in 2014.
“We have a lot more experience, there’s about 30 games in a lot of players, so we’re looking to push and win games,” Bugg said.
With this group looking to take their game to another level this season, they will be guided by off-season recruits Heath Shaw, Josh Hunt, Shane Mumford and Dylan Addison.
“We’ve got new recruits in so there’s a lot of experienced players coming in and they’re definitely helping with our development,” Bugg said.
After being elevated into the GIANTS’ leadership group for 2014, Bugg said mentor Heath Shaw already has a strong presence at the club.
“It’s really good having Heath Shaw out there - he’s in my development group and it’s really good having his voice out there and direction, he said.
The side will also have some fierce competition for spots with 2013 number one and number two draft picks Tom Boyd and Josh Kelly tearing up the track and putting pressure on the older players.
“Tom Boyd and Josh Kelly are coming along really well and they’re understanding our game plans so hopefully they can play a few games early as well,” Bugg said.
Bugg took out the first three-kilometre time trial of the pre-season back in November and said the GIANTS have been putting in the work off the field to see the results on field once the season starts.
“I did win the first one but there were a few players missing - Tom Scully and Josh Kelly,” Bugg said.
“We’ve been running pretty hard and getting really fit.
“We’re stronger, we’re fitter and we’re looking forward to improving on last year.”
