Jeremy Cameron expects Greater Western Sydney to enjoy a rapid level of improvement now that its multi-million dollar training and administration facility is finally up and running.
Cameron is one of the original GIANTS, joining the club as a 17-year-old for its first season in the NEAFL competition back in 2011.
Back then, the club's home base was upstairs at the Rooty Hill RSL club, the beginning of a nomadic existence that included stops in Blacktown and Greystanes before the first piece of turf was dug up for its proper home.
On Tuesday, the $13 million Tom Wills Oval was officially opened at Homebush Bay, an occasion that attracted Treasurer Joe Hockey, AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and a number of other dignitaries.
It is a facility the equal of any in the competition and Cameron told AFL.com.au it is a significant development for the young club.
"When we first came up here we weren't really sure how everything was going to fall into place," Cameron said.
"We were lucky enough to have Rooty Hill to work out of for the first year, the NEAFL year, and then we got the facility at Blacktown.
"It was a fair bit of travel heading out there every day on the M4 (motorway), which can get quite busy.
"To be in this facility now, which is so close to home and so big and so open, there's so much room for improvement in every aspect of your game.
"We've been all over the shop for the last three years, but it's great to be in the one spot now."
Clubs including Collingwood, North Melbourne and Essendon can boast exceptional facilities and it makes an enormous difference to the players and their preparation to win games of football.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, who was at the official opening, said the GIANTS were now on a level playing field.
"It's up there with the best training and admin facilities in the League, without doubt," Demetriou said.
"I think the total cost of the project is about $13 million and by all accounts it's probably the most efficient use of $13 million that's been spent.
"From an AFL perspective and a club perspective, we're absolutely delighted to see what's been created here."
A vast number of the GIANTS, including star youngsters Cameron, Stephen Coniglio and Dylan Shiel, are coming out of contract at the end of 2015.
Tom Wills Oval could become a key plank in convincing them to remain with the club and resist the interstate overtures that will surely come.
"I really enjoy being at the GIANTS," Cameron said. "I enjoyed it when we were traveling around everywhere, so it definitely helps being in the one spot.
"It makes everything so much easier, I love being up here, and I'm going to enjoy this."
Fitzpatrick conceded this week that GWS' on-field progress had been a little slower than hoped, underlined by just three wins in the club's first two years in the League.
But in a speech at Tuesday's unveiling, the AFL chairman made it clear the time has come for the club to take a major step forward.
"Competition is fierce and success doesn't come easily to any club," he said.
"It's a tough market place.
"But we're confident the GIANTS' distinctive team song will be heard much more often in 2014.
"No more excuses. You've got the stadium, the training and admin centre, the support staff – from now on Giants, it's up to you."
Confessed Richmond supporter Hockey, who lives in western Sydney and was presented with a signed GWS jumper on Tuesday, said the contribution made by the former Labor government to the new centre had been money well spent.
"This is a great illustration of a team that's determined to get to the top of the mountain," he said.
"There's a great culture being built at this club.
"I'm very confident that what is going to build this club into an immensely successful club is the fans and the culture."
