GIANTS co-captain Phil Davis believes his side can fill the hole left by injured defender Zac Williams.

Williams underwent surgery on his right Achilles on Tuesday afternoon after rupturing it during training last week. 

Speaking after training on Wednesday, Davis acknowledged Williams’ importance alongside him in the backline six, but backed the GIANTS’ young stars to step up.

“Obviously, we had the sad news about Zac last week, but there’s an opportunity there for someone,” he said. 

“You can’t really replace Zac, I think he’s probably the best half-back in the game.

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“We’ve got players that come with a different skill set and bring something different which I think will be a huge positive for the team, whether it be Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming or someone else.

“Looking around the boundary line to the rehab group there’s Adam Kennedy and Matt Buntine; they’re doing a great job as well. 

“I think we’ve got options there which is really good.”

Davis identified fellow key defender Tim Mohr as one of the standouts so far this pre-season while also acknowledging two first year player’s performances on the track.

“Tim Mohr’s taken a big step forward, he’s looking as fit as he’s ever been,” he said.

“He’s always been a very good player but obviously a couple of setbacks came along the way, but he’s looking in really good shape.

“Jack Buckley’s been very, very impressive, the same with Sam Taylor. 

“It looks like we’ve a really good bunch coming through as well as some improvement from the guys who have been here for a while.” 

After an outstanding 2017 season that saw him finish third in the Kevin Sheedy Medal, Davis is looking forward to putting pre-season behind him and playing in the upcoming JLT Series. 

“All aspects of pre-season are important and fun, but we don’t play AFL to train so we’re looking forward to games,” he said.