IN THE space of 12 months, Jonathan Giles went from footballing journeyman to a 20-game first season in the AFL, fifth in Greater Western Sydney's best and fairest count and the club's leading vote getter in the Brownlow Medal.

Seven long years after his odyssey began as a teenager at Port Adelaide, by anyone's estimation it was a sensational debut.

It also led to a three-year contract extension, gold dust to a man who was rucking with Sturt in the SANFL as recently as 2010, and a hefty pay rise.

But to Giles, in his own words, "it was a start". That's all.

He refuses to get comfortable, even with his newfound security as the established No.1 ruckman at the Giants.

"Comfortable isn't a word I like to use, because the day you become comfortable is the day you're going to go backwards," Giles told AFL.com.au.

"I'm a lot more confident in myself. Last year was a start and I want to continually improve on what happened last year.

"I made sure I had a big pre-season and did everything right so that this year I can keep getting better.

"Every other player and every other club is working hard, so you can't rest, you have to keep getting better."

This week marks a significant game for Giles as he heads to AAMI Stadium to take on his former club.

Giles spent four years on Port's list without cracking a senior game.

He has already faced and beaten the Power, playing a starring role with 23 possessions, 26 hitouts and two goals in round 19 last year in a stunning GWS victory that ultimately cost former Port coach Matthew Primus his job.

But he has yet to meet them in his home city.

"I can't wait," he said. "Obviously going back to Adelaide where I grew up and against Port where I spent some time there, I'm really looking forward to going back and playing against them.

"It's going to be an exciting game. Port are coming off a really good win last week and we're looking forward to the challenge."

Giles, 25, still has plenty of friends at his former club, listing current Port players Tom Logan, Hamish Hartlett, Matt Thomas and Travis Boak among his close friends.

He also watches his former club when he can, including its 79-point win over Melbourne in round one.

"I obviously keep a close eye on Port. I watched the game on Sunday arvo and they were pretty impressive," he said.

"They've got some good young guys coming through. Ollie Wines got the Rising Star nomination, Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett, they're leaders now and playing well, I'm really impressed by them.

"They looked good in their pre-season games and round one all their hard work was showing.

"We're going to have to hit them with everything we've got."

Hard work and perseverance has led Giles to this point – and he is far from finished yet.

"Obviously I spent a lot of time at Port and getting delisted throws you around," he said.

"Then I spent a year in the SANFL and then got the opportunity here at the Giants.

"You just continue wanting to be the best you can be."

James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD