Time flies when you’re not playing football. 

With the senior players returning to training on Monday, here’s 11 things you may have missed since our last game of the 2018 season.

1. Sam Reid got Married

Reid and his long time partner Elissa tied the knot last month in Echuca with plenty of past and present teammates in attendance for an unforgettable day. 

2. Dawson Simpson had another Baby

Dawson and his wife Allira welcomed Nash William Simpson into the world shortly after the season finished. Word is that big sister Isla is settling into her role brilliantly.

3. Callan Ward had a Bucks Day

Ahead of Callan Ward’s marriage to long-time partner Ruby Keddie in January, our co-captain become skipper of a different kind for a day, setting sail on Sydney harbour for a traditional send-off before tying the knot.

4. Whitfield Won Sheedy

In the seven years the GIANTS have been in the AFL, there have been seven different winners of the Kevin Sheedy Medal as the GIANTS’ Club Champion. Lachie Whitfield became the latest player to have his name added to the honour board at the WestConnex Centre after his career best season in 2018.

5. Matthew Nicks Settled In

Highly-rated coach Matthew Nicks has settled into Sydney with his young family after crossing from Port Adelaide. He takes up the role of Senior Assistant Coach to be Leon Cameron’s right-hand man.

6. Coaches Went to California

The off-season is a great time for the off-field staff to change environment and pick up some new ideas. The coaching group spent time with some of America’s best and brightest minds in both the sporting and business world to give the GIANTS an extra edge in 2019.

7. Six New Draftees Arrived

As far as Drafts go, this was a beauty for the GIANTS. Three elite underage midfielders, an indigenous small forward, a ruckman from Western Sydney and a versatile key position player were all selected for the GIANTS. All six have settled into their new environment very well over the past week.

The GIANTS' six draftees, (left to right) Jye Caldwell, Jackson Hately, Kieren Briggs, Xavier O'Halloran, Ian 'Bobby' Hill and Connor Idun, along with Irish recruit Callum Brown.

8. Callum Brown Became our First Irishman

Many clubs have had success developing players from Ireland and Cora Staunton was one of the stories of the AFLW season, with the electrifying forward lighting up the 2018 season. Her countryman Callum Brown was added to the GIANTS’ rookie list in October and is already eyeing off a big 2019.

9. Shane Mumford Returned

Retirement just wasn’t right for Big Mummy. We’re not sure yet if his wife Eva couldn’t stand him being around home, or if Mumford missed the boys too much … but we are glad to have him playing again in 2019.

10. Kia Came on Board

It’s not every day you welcome one of the world’s most popular car manufacturers to the club. Kia are on board for the next three years supporting both our AFL and AFLW teams.

11. Tommy Sheridan Joined

After seven years at Fremantle, Tommy Sheridan has crossed the Nullabor in the off-season to trade in purple for orange. The 25-year old has quickly settled in and is set to be housemates with long-time friend Toby Greene.