With the bye last weekend GIANTS forward Dylan Addison took the opportunity to head back to his old local club and help out at training.

Addison grew up in Sydney and after playing his junior football for the Bankstown Bombers, he joined local AFL Sydney club St George.

With his dad John and brothers Bryce and Tim still heavily involved in the club, Addison has been a regular watcher on the hill at Olds Park in Penshurst this season and it was there that Addison was approached about helping out at training.

Last Wednesday night Addison happily obliged and had plenty of words of wisdom for the young juniors in the St George Academy.

St George Academy Manager Andrew Wynn said Addison was a hit as he helped out with drills and gave the players feedback.

“We have good coaches here but having Dylan speak to the boys adds a whole other level,” Wynn said.

“Coming from someone who was a local junior like themselves, who started at a local club, rose through the ranks and was then drafted adds resonance.

“He’s been in a professional environment and his experience is invaluable, we’re thrilled he was able to come down.”

As one of few players who have made it to the AFL from the local Sydney league, Addison said he understood how significant it was for the club.

“I know the importance of that, and try and get back there when I can,” Addison said.

“I thought it was a good opportunity to give back to a club I’ve been a part of growing up.

“I’ve got mates I went to school with and have grown up playing football with since I was 12 so there’s a great connection there.”

Addison addressed the squad of about 30 14 to 17-year-olds before they played a scratch match as part of their monthly training and Wynn said his words of advice sunk in for the group of teenagers.

“I’ve already had emails from the kids telling me how much they enjoyed it and to thank him for everything,” Wynn said.