Eager to hunt for Giant triumph
JOSH Hunt would not have joined Greater Western Sydney if he believed he couldn’t contribute significantly to their on-field fortunes.
In September, aged 31 and with 198 games under his belt, Hunt was told by Geelong, a club he started at in 2001, his services were no longer required.
It was difficult to stomach at the time but he moved on, realising he still had the desire to continue his career elsewhere.
A trade was struck between Geelong and GWS and Hunt became a Giant.
‘‘That was the big thing for me. If I was playing bad footy, or if my body was failing me, then the decision would be easy ( to retire),’’ Hunt said.
‘‘The fact is that I still felt like I still had a bit to give in footy and the people that I’d spoken to said the same thing. I’m not a person who wants to walk away from something with ‘what ifs’. I’ll play until the game’s done with me or I become a liability and I’m done with footy.’’
In Hunt and former Pie Heath Shaw, the Giants saw the chance to bolster their leaky defence with some much-needed experience. The Giants knew the backline was an area that needed addressing after conceding the most points of any AFL team in 2013.
Hunt and Shaw will play integral roles as on-field marshals in the backline next season. However, their worth will not just be limited to on-field causes.
Shaw and fellow marquee recruit Shane Mumford have joined defender Stephen Gilham in the leadership group.
Although not included in the group, Hunt will give advice if asked.
‘‘I’m not going to go jamming it down people’s throats,’’ Hunt said. ‘‘But anytime they want a question or someone wants some advice on some stuff then we’re always open and giving them the feedback that they want.’’