RUNNING around and causing havoc - it is a role that Bailey Brien relishes each Saturday when he pulls on a Bathurst Giants singlet and lines up for a Central West AFL battle.
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He's not the only one other either and that is why the Bathurst Giants have transformed from a team with the potential to be competitive to an outfit which certainly threatens.
Having progressed through the ranks of the Bathurst Giants juniors, Brien is now in his second full season of playing senior football. It is a path that many members of Mark Kennedy's squad have taken.
"I played all my junior footy with the Giants, it's been good. Most of the boys that played then in juniors have come through now and are playing seniors, it's really good playing with all them still," Brien said.
"It's a big step up playing in seniors and Kenno puts a lot of faith in us juniors to do a job on the weekend. It helps us out so much knowing he has faith in us to do our job.
"We are starting to grow up now and are getting stronger, so it's always good to have juniors running around causing havoc."
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Last Saturday as the Giants became the first team this year to beat defending premiers Orange Tigers, Brien made eight tackles, 11 pressure acts and his handball efficiency was 100 percent on a day when cold, windy conditions made skill-execution difficult.
The result moved the Giants into third on the ladder with a two and two record, while Brien's effort showed how valuable he is on the wing for the Bathurst side.
"I really enjoy playing on the wing, being able to run around, that's what we've been trying to do for years, get that footy and run with it and out run other teams," he said.
"Everyone knows how much talent we have, so it's really good to see everyone working hard to try and win that premiership at the end of the year. Everyone wants to do their job on the weekend, so the atmosphere is really good around the club and at training."
This Saturday, for the third week in a row, the Giants will once again face an away match as they travel to Parkes.
Though the Panthers are yet to win this season and have only booted seven majors in the past fortnight - the Giants kicked eight in beating the Tigers - Brien and his team-mates are respectful of their rivals.
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He said absorbing the early enthusiasm of the Panthers and starting well will be crucial, with the Giants' fitness then expected to come into play in the final term.
"They are always a threat at home but it's always good going to Parkes and playing them. We are going to have to be on our game over there to beat them," Brien said.
"They've got a few tall boys up in their forward line and in their back line and their midfield is still strong too, so hopefully we can match it with them.
"They are always working hard in a game, always trying to stay in the fight, so if we can get ahead early it will help our case."
Opening bounce at Northparkes Oval will be at 2.30pm.
