Tough GWS midfielder Jacob Hopper says bringing in AFL great James Hird has been significant for the Giants’ leadership group.

The former Essendon coach and two-time Bombers’ premiership player joined GWS this year in a part-time capacity as a leadership consultant.

The Giants have reverted to the captaincy structure of their first season, naming three co-captains with Toby Greene and Josh Kelly joining 2021 leader Stephen Coniglio.

Hopper is part of the wider leadership group, which includes Nick Haynes, Phil Davis, Matt de Boer and Lachie Whitfield.

“This is my second year in the leadership group now, so to bring in a guy like James Hird has been significant for the group and for myself as well,” Hopper told AAP.

“Recognising that kind of transition from younger player who’s eager to get out there and play, to recognising that you’ve got real influence and control over the group at times.

“You play a major role in the direction the group is heading and embracing that realisation is important for me to help us win games of footy, making sure I’m a more active member of the group.”

Hopper is part of a deep GWS midfield ball-winning brigade which includes Kelly, Coniglio, Tim Taranto, Callan Ward and Tom Green, with others also capable of making a contribution.

“There’s that healthy competition, we’ve got so many guys who are going through there,” Hopper said.

“We’ve had someone like Tanner Bruhn who has really had a great pre-season and love what he’s done in there.”

Like a number of the Giants mids, Hopper expects to play extra time forward, particularly with Toby Greene suspended for the first five rounds.

“Gone is the terminology of resting, everyone used to say rest forward, but now it’s being an active forward member when you are down there,” Hopper said.

“You’ve definitely still got to have your one wood and make sure that’s at the front of mind and you are ticking that box first and foremost.

“But to add different ways and different bows to contribute is super important to making sure we’re getting better as a team.

“There has to be that versatility for everyone.”

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