Ever wondered what gets the GIANTS going before those brutal early morning training sessions at Tom Wills Oval?

Whether it’s a short black, flat white or orange-mocha-frappuccino, one things is for certain, they all get their coffee buzz from the GIANTS Cafe.

Meet Ash Crossin, one of the talented baristas who helps manage the popular eatery with her father Tony.   

While everyone has different tastes, Ash explained that some coffee orders from GIANTS players are stranger than others.

“A lot of the players rely on coffee to get their day started and a big one is Dylan Shiel who orders a double or triple shot most times before training,” Ash said.

“Joel Patfull has a soy cappuccino but is very particular about how it’s made. He’s lovely, but it has to be perfect.

“I know when Shane Mumford is in the building because I can hear him a mile off. He usually scares someone and makes them scream.

“Mummy often gets a double shot in his protein shake which a lot of the boys think is gross.”

The tab system at the GIANTS Cafe can often be exploited with a several players running up large bills during the footy season.

It’s no surprise who had a water-tight excuse ready to go when pre-season break came around.

“At the moment Adam Kennedy owes the most money but that’s only because he lost his wallet just before the end of the season and couldn’t pay us back,” Ash joked.

The cafe is located within the GIANTS’ training and administration facility at Sydney Olympic Park.

“This facility is amazing and we’re all growing as a team and as one, it’s quite beautiful. It’s not work for me, it’s just an enjoyable place to be.”

While the GIANTS’ game-plan is top secret, Ash did reveal a some inside-information about the head coach.

“Leon has a weak latte and isn’t much of a coffee drinker. He’s always very nice, so humble and always has time for a chat.”

The GIANTS Cafe launched when the facility opened in January 2014 and is open to all players, staff and members of the public at the GIANTS’ Learning Life Centre at 1 Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park.