Head Coach Leon Cameron said Wednesday night’s intra-club match at Blacktown was the perfect hit-out ahead of the GIANTS’ first NAB Challenge match against the Swans in Canberra next week.

"It was good for the boys, pleasing to see their effort and energy put into a practice match," Cameron said.

“The first quarter was great, second quarter got a bit scrappy, third quarter was some really good footy and probably half way through the last the boys probably got a bit tired."

The match at Blacktown International Sportspark was also Jon Patton’s first game since injuring his knee in Round 3 last year. The 20-year-old former number one pick kicked the opening goal with his teammates running from all over to congratulate the big forward.

“To see Jon kick a goal, I think it was in the first three or four minutes, was great and there was plenty of excitement,” Cameron said.

“It’s just good to see him out here playing footy again.”

New recruits Heath Shaw, Josh Hunt and Shane Mumford spent the majority of the match in the same side and quickly showed their experience.

“You can just see their direction and their leadership and structures are a lot better because all of a sudden they direct players into better positions when there’s a ball up or boundary throw in,” Cameron said.

“I thought Shane Mumford really really led the charge there and Heath Shaw down back.”

Fellow recruit Dylan Addison was impressive up forward, drawing praise from his coach, and said he was thrilled to begin his career in orange and charcoal.

“It was exciting to put the colours on for the first time, even though it’s an intra-club match, and get out there and have a run around,” Addison said.

Lining up in the same forward line as Jeremy Cameron and Jon Patton, Addison said he couldn’t wait to see the duo in action in the season proper.

“It was exciting - especially ‘Patto’ - seeing him stream out from the goal square,” Addison said.

“Jonno Patton was a highlight for me, although he didn’t kick five or six goals, it was good to see him return and play some positive football.”

Number one pick Tom Boyd sat the match out with soreness but Cameron said he expected Boyd, experienced defender Stephen Gilham and midfielder Rhys Palmer, to be available for next week’s NAB Challenge.

The GIANTS will face the Swans in the first NAB Challenge match at StarTrack Oval, Canberra next Thursday February 20.