There were multiple reasons behind why Jayden Laverde wanted to "explore" a move to GWS, but the overarching theme was his desire to further his football career.
After 11 years at Essendon, a club he grew up supporting and a suburb in Melbourne where he was raised, it was time for a change.
Laverde played 145 games for the Bombers, but when the opportunity came to play alongside one of the best defensive groups in the competition, it was hard to pass up.
"I knew the backline was really strong, which is actually what drew me towards it," Laverde told Zero Hanger.
"I've been super impressed with the way they go about their training and how competitive they are out on the track.
"I've actually been calling it the Giants Olympics, because everyone's so fit and it's one big competition, so no wonder that they get the most out of themselves. I'm just trying to follow along in their footsteps and learn as much as I can from them to take my game to another level.
"As soon as I met the guys, Jason (McCartney) and Kingers (Adam Kingsley) in Sydney, it was pretty evident I'd love to play under Kingers, and with the talent they have down back.
"They're superstars of the competition, and I knew if I could surround myself with great players like that, I'm only going to get better."
The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal after a "mutual" decision between Laverde and Essendon saw him delisted at the end of 2025, with the Giants among multiple clubs showing immediate interest in the versatile defender.
But the AFL's youngest club always had the inside lane after it secured Laverde's close mate and former Bomber Jake Stringer 12 months earlier.
The exciting forward had spoken glowingly of his time outside the Melbourne bubble, and how the change of environment changed his outlook on multiple areas. Laverde wanted the same experience.
"We had a chat to a few different clubs, but obviously having a strong connection with Jake Stringer, I learnt a lot about the Giants," Laverde added.
"He was loving it up here and said how great the group was and how different it was from the Bombers, so talking to him throughout the year, and getting insight was something I got really excited about.
"We spoke about how the environment is a lot different, and the things that were making him a better player... so I could tell if they got him up and running, I was pretty excited to see what they could do with me too."
Laverde has proven to be a beacon of durability throughout the past five seasons at the Bombers, especially when the club was in desperate need of defensive support.
He featured in 99 games in that period, and prides himself on his ability to outwork his teammates and opponents, putting his best foot forward.
It quickly became a match made in heaven when Kingsley and the Giants proposed a specific role for Laverde.
"I feel like the last few years, I didn't quite have the improvement I'd like to," he added.
"I felt like the change of environment, and he (Kingsley) said he'd certainly be able to get the most out of me, but it was more so if I wanted to do the work, and that's something I definitely pride myself on.
"But it was more so the clarity of the role and being able to play tall and small in their backline, having a bit of versatility too. That was the main thought from Kingers.
"I still believe that I have my best footy ahead of me, and my body's been in great shape over the last few years. I've proved that durability is a good asset of mine, and I feel like with new coaching staff and new teammates around me, I can learn some different things."
Laverde would've been lying if he said that the prospect of playing in a premiership wasn't part of the reason for his move.
"We all play football to win," he added.
"I'm one of those guys that's super competitive, and I'm not going out there to lose games of football. I want to taste the ultimate success and play in a premiership. That's been a dream of mine.
"It certainly comes in your mind when going to a new club that has had some finals success."
Laverde joined the club alongside fellow experienced player and former Demons superstar Clayton Oliver.
The pair needed a "fresh start", with Oliver "fitting in seamlessly" at the Giants.
Laverde and GWS will open their 2026 season against Hawthorn in Opening Round at ENGIE Stadium.
