Prize Essendon recruit Dylan Shiel returns to his first AFL home on Sunday, having played more games for GWS than any of the Giants players he will face.
Only Giants' co-captain Callan Ward has logged more than Shiel's 135 games in GWS colours and he will miss the opening round match at Sydney Showground Stadium through injury.
Shiel's former teammates wish him well at his new home but have no qualms about using their extensive knowledge of the 26-year-old midfield speedster to try and curb his influence.
While GWS have become used to losing players to rival clubs, Shiel's departure was perhaps felt more acutely given given his length of service.
Another Bomber, Devon Smith, and new Hawk Tom Scully, are the only other former GWS players to have played over 100 games for the AFL's youngest club before changing their allegiance.
"Our list turnover has been enormous in the eight years, so there's a lot of ex players floating around," Giants' other co-captain Phil Davis told AAP.
"But Dylan is probably one of, if not the most, significant player, to the foundation of the club.
"For Dylan to give seven years of service to the club was just outstanding.
'We really appreciate everything he did and he's now at Essendon, and we understand that situation.
'It's going to be a little bit different, but I've got huge admiration for Dylan as a person, he's one of my good friends.
"At the same time we understand that at 3.20 (pm) on Sunday it all changes and we'll be trying to exploit all the weaknesses that we know."
Shiel's football relationship with some of the Giants extends way back before the club entered the AFL.
"It's funny, I've played footy with Dyl since I was 10 years old and I know him really well," Giants' utility Adam Tomlinson said.
"It's good to see players go on and you hope they do well, just not against your own team.
"He is a super player and it is going to be a hard job to do."
"I'm sure a few boys will have some time playing up against Dylan."
