With blistering attack the hallmark of Greater Western Sydney's rise from cellar dwellers to AFL flag favourites, star midfielder Tom Scully says the Giants must now sharpen their defence.
The Giants will face North Melbourne in a pre-season clash on Friday night at Canberra's Manuka Oval, with Scully looking forward to getting their speedy ball movement back on a dry track after a two-goal loss to Sydney last week in a rain-soaked affair.
Despite making strides forward in their defensive efforts in 2016, Scully pinpointed it as an area that needed to improve.
"There's no doubt we've got to get better defensively - we can't go fast all the time," Scully said.
"We've openly addressed that. There's got to be times where you control the ball and build it up - it's got to be a good mix of that."
The Giants' talent-laden list is favoured to deliver the club's first premiership this season but Scully isn't looking too far ahead.
He said they have moved on from their one-goal preliminary final defeat to eventual premiers the Western Bulldogs last season.
"We start off our 2017 campaign with optimism but so does every club," Scully said.
"There's pressure for spots all around the ground, which is a great thing for the club."
The potential for a GWS dynasty to emerge has been strengthened by key forwards Jeremy Cameron and Jonathon Patton signing contract extensions.
Scully, Adam Tomlinson, Callan Ward and Stephen Coniglio are also secured on long-term deals while star on-baller Dylan Shiel has said he is only entertaining offers from the Giants.
"What we're looking for is sustained success," Scully said.
"There's no doubt guys committing to the club long term is a great endorsement for the club.
"Guys are sticking around, which is fantastic and I think there'll be more to come this year."
Meanwhile, star recruit Brett Deledio continues his recovery from a calf injury that has ruled him out of at least round one.
"His influence around the group, even though he hasn't been able to get out there and play, has been sensational," Scully said.
"You can see why he's been such a great player for a long time.
"Hopefully we'll see him in the not-too-distant future."
