Harry Himmelberg has been a part of GWS teams that have nearly reached the AFL summit.
This time around it's youth that has the experienced defender believing the Giants can explode into September.
Former No.1 pick Aaron Cadman and No.21 selection Darcy Jones, both claimed in the 2022 draft, are making their mark.
The pair proved unlikely heroes in the Giants' statement win over Brisbane, with key forward Cadman kicking three goals and speedster Jones adding two in a match-winning late burst.
Himmelberg played in the 2019 grand final defeat against Richmond, as well as preliminary final losses in 2017 and 2023.
But the emergence of Jones, Cadman (both 20) and Finn Callaghan (21) has added an extra spark.
"It's tough to compare groups, because when I came to the footy club we had a lot of older guys that were very experienced and a very settled team, and it was more I was coming along for the ride," Himmelberg told AAP.
"But being a more senior player (now), the development of these young guys, and seeing them, like Cads and Darcy Jones, dominate games is amazing.
"Seeing those guys put in the work and develop their games, being a younger group now, is the most exciting thing for us.
"He (Cadman) really puts in the work at training, and it's not a massive surprise to see him play that way.
"But for him to put it out on the park in a big game, in a big moment when we really needed it was awesome."
The big moments won't stop coming as third-placed GWS try to lock in at least a top-four berth.
Two tough tests - Fremantle at Engie Stadium on Saturday, then the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat eight days later - will be the perfect litmus tests.
"It's ideal, to be honest," Himmelberg said.
"You want to be playing in high-quality games against the best opposition leading into the finals, because that's what you're going to come up against in finals.
"We're really excited for two pretty tough tests the next couple of weeks, and then we'll see where we sit after that."
Himmelberg has grown up at and with the Giants.
Now 28, the former swingman is settled in a key defensive post, has his long-term future locked in at GWS, and is expecting his first child with his fiancee Taylia this year.
"Footy is quite enjoyable. At the moment we're winning games, so that always helps," he said.
"And (we've) got a little baby girl arriving mid-December, so very exciting.
"We'll look to settle and hopefully show her a premiership medal."
