In 2016, for the first time in his career at the GIANTS, Tom Scully didn’t miss a game.

And he wouldn’t want to.

The 25-year-old wingman, who finished second in the Kevin Sheedy Medal, acknowledging the GIANTS’ squad depth has lifted the standards of the side.

“With some really good players coming through, it’s going to put some pressure on everyone in the senior side to perform each week which is what a strong club needs,” he said.

“It’s not about the 22, it’s about the whole inner football club.

“With the NEAFL team winning the Premiership it shows the whole club is in a really strong position with youth coming through. 

“We couldn’t be in a better position.”

Scully’s comments would strike fear into the heart of many of the GIANTS’ competitors, especially after the season that’s been.

The Western Bulldogs were riddled with injuries to key players, but the depth of their playing list was a key factor to them lifting the Premiership Cup.

With the GIANTS having impressed in their first finals series, the idea that there are more talented footballers biding their time in the reserves is a scary prospect.

But this building of squad depth and development of players hasn’t happened overnight. 

“It’s taken a number of years to get to that stage with continuity, with guys playing week in, week out,” Scully said.

“The guys coming in now know what’s expected from them and that’s going to be a real strength for them going forward.”

Scully believes that despite the competition for places in the senior side the GIANTS have a strong team bond; a bond that helped drive them to a club record 16 wins in the home and away season.

“Obviously the team’s gelling really well and as a collective we’re playing some good football,” he said.

“It’s been a really enjoyable year to play football, you enjoy the challenge. 

“With the team playing some of the best football it’s ever played, I think not only for myself but a number of guys have enjoyed fantastic seasons.”

And as for the way the season ended? Scully couldn’t be more positive. 

“To finish in the top four is fantastic,” he said. 

“It’s something we aspired to at the start of the season, we said we wanted to make finals. 

“Then to win a final as well is a pretty significant result for us.”