Analysing the GIANTS’ efforts during the trade period, it’s hard not to be impressed with what they achieved. It was not a case of ‘grab what you can’ for the GIANTS, and instead they methodically worked their way through their list, identified areas of need, and targeted players to fulfil their needs.

Those needs were: a mature ruckman, a rebounding and ball-winning defender, an on-field hard-bodied leader, and a small forward who can find the ball and hold it in with great pressure.

Shane Mumford’s defection from the Swans will greatly assist Jonathon Giles in the ruck department, and give younger ruckmen Andrew Phillips and Tom Downie time to develop without being rushed into the squad.

With Dean Brogan injured for much of this season, Giles often found himself as a lone ruckman. The extra effort required around the ground meant that Giles could not have the same impact when resting forward as in his debut season.

In 2014, Giles and Mumford can create a formidable partnership that will not only intimidate at ruck contests, it will assist the young GIANTS forward line hold their structure when they rest forward. A 199cm, 108kg GIANT resting in the goal square will only help relieve pressure on Jeremy Cameron and Jonathan Patton.

Heath Shaw brings much to the team. He is a strong bodied, experienced defender; one of the best in the league. Shaw has averaged the most champion data points of any permanent defender since 2006, proving he is influential.

In 2013, Heath averaged 20 disposals, 3 tackles, 5 contested possessions, 6 marks and 4 rebound 50s per game. He will provide great value to the Giants backline, and can rotate to the wing, or through the centre, and can drive the ball forward with great efficiency (averaging 77.6% effectiveness last season).

Jed Lamb is a very big coup for the GIANTS. At 21, he has shown great potential at NEAFL & AFL level. As a small forward, not only can he find the goals, but he has a great offensive pressure game.

Feeding off Cameron, Patton and either Mumford or Giles, Lamb can crumb alongside Devon Smith and put real pressure on opposition forwards. If the GIANTS can lock the ball inside their forward fifty, it will go a long way to heavier scoring.

Finally, Josh Hunt brings a hardness to the GIANTS which they haven’t had since Chad Cornes last took to the field. At 31, he will be the oldest listed GIANT but with his age, he brings experience. Expect Hunt to not only be throwing his body around during matches to protect his younger teammates, but spotting them at weight sessions in the gym too.

Additionally, the GIANTS have traded out a number of younger players. The trading of these six players not only gives them opportunities at other clubs, but it also allows the GIANTS to spread the age of their list a little wider, planning for future list development.

Former number 3 draft pick Dom Tyson found his way to Melbourne after two seasons, in which he was restricted by injuries. In return, the GIANTS received the second pick in this season’s draft. Due to those injuries, Dom had fallen back into the pack of extremely talented midfielders, but hopefully a new club and a clean run of injuries will soon see him excelling.

Shaun Edwards and Kurt Aylett made their way to Essendon in a trade, providing both with fresh opportunities. Aylett is a quick outside midfielder, and Edwards is a solid all-round player. Having been stifled for opportunity in the past two years, both will be excited to get the chance to ply their trade at a new club. Sam Darley was also traded to the Bulldogs, seeking greater game time.

Taylor Adams made his way to Collingwood, in exchange for Heath Shaw. Both clubs will be coming away from this trade very happy. Adams played 32 games for the GIANTS in two years, and showed his potential with a 30 possession game against the Suns this season. His friendship amongst the playing group will be missed, as will his attack on the footy.

Finally, Josh Bruce accepted an offer from St Kilda. Highly rated by the GIANTS, the defender will wear red, white and black next year, opening up the door for young key defenders Aidan Corr and Sam Frost to stake a claim in the best 22.

Despite seeing these players exit, the GIANTS list is looking far better balanced than at the start of last season. Ten players on their list are aged 23 or older, however only Hunt is over 30. The GIANTS are building a core group of players that can lead the club for years to come.

Heading into the draft, 20 players on the list have played a minimum of 50 games, compared to just 7 at the same time last year. This is not only from solid trading this year, but also due to the coaching staff who put game time into the younger players.

It’s been a difficult two years on the field for the club, but the development in young players since their inaugural year show that the GIANTS are keen to make in-roads, not only now, but for the future. This latest trading period has built on that, and will lead to exciting results on the field in 2014.