The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have bolstered their ruck stocks following the signing of former Geelong ruckman Dawson Simpson for the 2016 AFL season.

The 26-year-old Simpson comes to the GIANTS as an unrestricted free agent having recently concluded an eight-year career with the Cats.

Simpson adds further depth to the GIANTS’ ruck division which already features one of the AFL’s most influential big men in Shane Mumford, along with a number of young up and coming ruckmen.

Simpson was drafted to Geelong with pick number 24 in the 2007 AFL Draft and went on to play 28 games for the Cats.

GIANTS General Manager Football Graeme Allan said Simpson would provide valuable support for Mumford who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in round 11 earlier this year.

“Dawson comes from an excellent football system at Geelong and offers the support for Shane Mumford we’re looking for,” Allan said.

“His experience will also be really important for our exciting crop of younger ruckmen who are looking to build on the exposure they gained this year.”

The GIANTS currently hold picks 8, 27, 45, 63, 81, 99 and 117 at next month’s NAB AFL Draft.