Footy season is almost here.

That's the message from Tom Wills Oval as the GIANTS enjoyed match practice as they count down to the first intraclub game in just a few weeks.

For new recruit, dual best and fairest winner Ryan Griffen, it was one of his first opportunities to play with his new midfield teammates.

“It felt good, playing with these new guys; getting used to where they run and especially in the centre bounce, where Mummy (Shane Mumford) likes to hit the ball,” Griffen said.

“It was definitely something that I needed to learn and it was good to have a good hit-out.”

Click here to hear from Ryan Griffen after training on Friday

Star forward Jeremy Cameron said it was good to be back playing after an injury-interrupted season last year. The three-time leading goalkicker looked impressive throughout the session, at one point flying high to almost bring down a huge pack mark.

“It was pretty fun actually, a lot better than running around the track doing 200ms so the boys were pretty excited going into it,” Cameron said.

“We tried some new things we’ve been learning over the off-season and we’re coming together quite well.

“My body personally is feeling really well. I’ve put in the hard yards over the off season just to get my body right, a lot of rehab and that sort of thing ... We’re looking forward to a big year.”

28-year-old Griffen was a standout during the match simulation, holding nothing back as he tackled strongly, burst through packs and snapped goals from seemingly anywhere.

“It’s been a hard pre-season, especially for my old legs,” he said.

“Leon’s decided to give me a little bit of a rest this week so I felt really good today. It’s exciting times at the footy club and I just can’t wait to get into it.”

Today’s session was also the first time to see some of the new recruits in action with Cameron impressed by a host of the club’s new draftees.

“I think Jarrod Pickett running around, he’s been great for us. He’s going to be a great little forward-line player a lot like Devon Smith so he’s kind of stood out a little bit - he zips in and out, he played really well today.

“I think Jack Steele on the wing, he’s running around. For a young player to step up like he has been fantastic.”

Cameron also had some new faces in the forwardline alongside him, with fellow forward Jonathon Patton sidelined as he recovers from his ACL injury.

“James Stewart, I think he’s really stepped up into his role at the moment, he’s playing some really good footy,” Cameron said.

“I think Patty McKenna, even though it’s his first year, has been playing really well and then you’ve got the Devons (Smith) and the (Adam) Tomlinsons who have been training to house down this pre-season.”

Click here to hear from Jeremy Cameron after training on Friday

Griffen, who has now been at the club for almost three months, has been impressed by a host of young GIANTS in his time so far.

“There’s a range of different guys that have impressed me, there’s some serious talent here,” Griffen said.

“Dylan Shiel, the way he runs the footy - you can just give him the footy and he takes off and uses his legs which is very impressive. Devon Smith when he comes up around the ball.

“There’s just so much talent and you can sort of sit back and just go ‘ wow’ sometimes so it’s very exciting for me.”

With almost exactly a month until the GIANTS’ first NAB Challenge match against the Suns at Blacktown on March 7, Cameron said it was an exciting time of the year for everyone.

“The boys are always up and about, there’s a really good vibe around the club when it comes closer to games,” Cameron said.

“We know we’ve had a really strong pre-season, we’ve put in the hard yards definitely on the track.

“We know we’ve got that fitness base so we can start to roll into the matchplay and that’s what we’re here for, we’re here to play footy and we can’t wait for it to start.”

The GIANTS will plan an intraclub match at Blacktown International Sportspark on Friday, February 27 with a Fan Day to follow in Baulkham Hills that evening.

The GIANTS play the Gold Coast Suns at Blacktown International Sportspark on March 7 in their first NAB Challenge match for 2015.

Don’t forget GIANTS members get free entry so call 1300 442 687 or visit membership.gwsgiants.com.au to sign up today.