David King thinks that specialist coach Cameron Mooney has made an immediate impact at GWS.
The three-time premiership forward joined the Giants in January in a role where he works closely with the club’s young key forwards and rucks.
After watching GWS beat Gold Coast 106-61 in Thursday night’s Community Series match, King thinks that the club’s young key forwards look immediately improved under Mooney’s tutelage.
Two players, in particular, stood out to King - Callum Brown and Jake Riccardi - who kicked three and two goals respectively.
King thinks that both players look more aggressive and spoke about how Riccardi is already playing differently than he has across his 50-game AFL career.
“I'm telling you now, we talk a lot about CTE, I'll give you another one, CME - the Cameron Mooney effect,” King told SEN Breakfast.
“‘Moons’ has gone up to GWS and has worked with their key forwards.
“He's done a little bit with Aaron Cadman, but I'll tell you what he's done with Riccardi and with Brown. He's a big fan of both of those guys.
“I haven't seen Riccardi be that sort of imposing, physical, full forward type of player.
“I've seen him being a nice on the lead and a beautiful finisher, he's a lovely kick at goal.
“But he took four marks inside 50 last night (Thursday) and all of them were contested.
“They were big boy marks and I thought, ‘Wow, he, he's had an immediate impact on him’.
“What that does is just raise the bar.”
As for Brown, King thinks that the Irishman could be a genuine aerial weapon.
If both Brown and Riccardi fire, King thinks it could unlock a forward line that already possesses prolific goal-kickers Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan.
“(Callum) Brown is one he talks about a lot, he thinks he's a gifted athlete,” King said.
“But to see him go at the ball with a genuine want for contact (is a new sight).
“I think it was talked about in the coverage, the missing component to them is probably their key forwards. There’s a lot of reliance on Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene to kick the goals.
“So if those are two (Riccardi and Brown) can meet them halfway (they’ll improve).
“Then there’s the wildcard of a young Aaron Cadman, and let's leave him to the side for the moment.
“But if these other blokes can just be key post targets and bring the ball to ground.
“Jee, they're going to be a good team in 2024.”
GWS next gear up for their Opening Round clash against reigning premiers Collingwood at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday, March 9.
