Dermott Brereton described it as one of the hardest training sessions he’s seen while players say they’re ready to redeem themselves.

After successive 100 point losses, the GIANTS prepared for Sunday’s clash against Hawthorn with a bruising hit-out at Tom Wills Oval.

Brereton, who’s worked as a specialist coach with the club’s young forwards over the past two seasons, said he was impressed by how the players trained.

“As you can understand, I’ve been through a thousand training sessions as a top-line player, as an assistant coach, casting my eye over them,” Brereton said.

“That training session we did just then was top end. It was as hard as anything I’ve seen.”

Co-Captain Callan Ward said the players are keen to make amends.

“If I was to choose a team to play against after two huge defeats, I’d choose Hawthorn,” Ward said. “We try and test ourselves against the best.”

“We’re up against it but it’s a huge challenge for us and we’re looking forward to it.”

Ward said training standards were high and the side would have one focus on Sunday afternoon for their first game at the MCG for the year. 

“The main thing is just contested ball and turning it into a scrap. The first four rounds of the season our contested ball numbers were all the way up, we were either winning or at least drawing it.  I still thing that’s the main stat in football these days.”

Coach Leon Cameron echoed his skipper’s thoughts. “The guys obviously understand the importance of the game, making sure we get back to that competitive brand of footy,” Cameron said.

“Our defensive actions need to speak a bit louder than what they have been the last couple of weeks.

“Our 22 that roll out on Sunday are there to compete for longer. The other main thing is to stop the opposition from scoring. Our players have trained really well, their energy is great and we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“The guys love playing at the MCG, we know it’s the mecca of AFL football, it’s where all the finals and grand finals are played so it’s a great opportunity to get to play there. 

“It’s a great test and a great measure to see where we’re at at about 7 o’clock on Sunday night.”