GWS Giants tackle the Blue Mountains for pre-season slog in a bid to take the next step

AFTER falling short in the past two preliminary finals, Harry Himmelberg and the GWS Giants are aiming high in 2018 after completing a rigorous pre-season camp in the Blue Mountains.

Harrison Himmelberg in action during GWS’s semi-final against West Coast. Picture: Phil Hillyard

AFTER falling short in the past two preliminary finals, Harry Himmelberg and the GWS Giants are aiming high in 2018.

Himmelberg and his Giants teammates were put through their paces on Friday with a gruelling pre-season training session in the Blue Mountains.

The nine kilometre run through the picturesque mountains was the culmination of a two-day leadership camp, which included downtime for team bonding.

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Leon Cameron’s men normally complete their pre-season camp in Noosa, but have relocated to their own backyard to prepare for the 2018 season.

According to Himmelberg, who had a break out season last year with 12 games, the Blue Mountains training camp will help the Giants become a closer and more consistent football team.

“We’ve been around the mark in the last couple of years, so for us it’s about trying to find those edges to help us get to the next step,” Himmelberg told The Daily Telegraph.

GWS Giants players training in the Blue Mountains. Picture: Supplied

“We know it’s going to take effort and it’s not just going to happen, but if we can fix up a few little things that we lacked last year I think we’ll be fine.

“It’s why it was really exciting to get out to the Blue Mountains.

“It was pretty tough. The mountains are notorious for its trail running, but the camp was also based around the leadership aspect of the club our plans for next season.”

Himmelberg revealed the group also benefited from inspirational speeches from premiership-winning players like Heath Shaw (Collingwood 2010), reserves coach Adam Schneider (Sydney 2005) and the recently retired Shane Mumford (Sydney 2012), who is now on the Giants’ coaching staff.

“We’ve had a few boys come into the squad with premiership experience and have played in big games, so it was great to hear them speak,” he said.

Nick Shipley takes part in GWS pre-season training.

“It was more about those guys telling a few stories and for us to come together as a group.”

Himmelberg is entering his third season at the Giants and wants to take on a greater leadership role in 2018.

After kicking four goals in the preliminary final against eventual premiers Richmond in front of 95,000 people at the MCG, he is focused on delivering every week.

“Personally I’ll look to play more consistently and at a higher level next season,” he said.

“Playing consistent footy is something we might have lacked last year as a team, but hopefully with hard work that will change next season.”

Originally published as GWS Giants tackle the Blue Mountains for pre-season slog in a bid to take the next step