A LENGTHY pre-season has got the Bathurst Giants all the more fired up to start their Central West AFL season this Saturday when they travel to take on the Young Saints.
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Giants are out to improve upon their debut season and begin a new competition against the sole team they bested in 2016.
It’s a tough away trip to start the season but Giants coach Mark Kennedy said his side are eager to get back on the field after playing the waiting game.
“Our pre-season has been really good. We had a trial game against Orange last week and that was a three-point game,” he said.
“We’ve had a couple of younger guys in the club who have stepped up this year. In that trial we had a few of our seasoned guys out too.”
Giants recorded a four-point win over the Saints last July, although Young claimed victory on their home turf.
Kennedy will be focused on his younger crop of players coming through.
“Young has improved. They’ve had a couple of players come back for them and they’ve got a younger, fitter squad together this year,” he said.
“Kev Walker is going to be captaining us again this year. He’s been in good form.
“Tim French is also back for us. Dave Hitchick will play for us when possible and Jordan Longmore will come back to play a few games.
“I’m really excited though to see how our younger players go. Luke Macauley was superb for us last year, same with Josh Broes. Sam Sloan has put on some weight and is looking fitter as well.”
