New recruit Braydon Preuss has hit the track running (literally) on Monday as he joined the club’s younger players on day one of pre-season. 

“To be honest, I’m pretty buggered,” he said after a long and hot training session on Monday.

“But the first training session back is always a bit like that. I’ve been here a week and I’m loving it so far.” 

Preuss arrived from Melbourne ahead of Sydney’s scorching weekend a fortnight ago and has spent the last two weeks catching up with his new teammates and introducing himself to his new city. 

He joined fellow ruck and GIANTS veteran Shane Mumford for a serious of boxing sessions last week but said he’s not eyeing off a career change just yet. 

“I don’t think my boxing career’s going to take off any time soon, I nearly trip over every time I punch,” Preuss said. 

“We did a few boxing sessions last week so the relationship’s already started and he’s a great man so can’t wait to do more work with him.” 

The 25-year-old former Kangaroo and Demon got up to Sydney as soon as he could and is looking forward to a solid two weeks of training before the Christmas break. 

“(I wanted to come up early) just to probably see where I’m at,” he said.

“It’s always good to get a 2km out of the way but I regretted it about a lap in, coming in early.

“You’re pretty much doing the same running anyway so you don’t have to find that extra motivation.” 

Preuss joined young ruck Kieren Briggs on the track on Monday, with Mumford and Matt Flynn due to return to the club in the new year. 

Preuss said he’s looking forward to the competition for the club’s number one ruck spot as the countdown to the 2021 season begins.

“My aim’s just to get through pre-season unscathed and stay fit and healthy,” he said. 

“We’ve got three other ruckman on our list and they’re all AFL-ready so it’s going to be awesome (competition) for spots this year. 

“I’m happy to play all four at the same time … but the competition’s going to be good for the pre-season.”