Giles is among four first year players who have made the trip, after being recruited to Carlton in November’s National Draft.
The 18-year-old says the new recruits have taken part in most of the training drills and some gruelling hikes.
“The Canyon was very difficult and very drawn out over six hours or so,” Giles said.
“But then to back it up with the Humphreys hike was very mentally draining and a credit to all the playing group to get through that.”
Giles has been rooming with fellow defenders Matthew Watson and Michael Jamison – the latter Giles says has already taught him much in their short time together. But it’s Lachie Henderson whose game Giles says he has been closely following.
“I’ve looked at Lachie Henderson a fair bit with that swingman role,” Giles said.
“I was playing a new role myself this year, so it was good to look at him the way he played forward and back, because I was mainly a forward before this year.”
As for 2014, Giles says he’s hopeful of getting a game or two under his belt, but for now he’s content to build on his fitness base and learn as much as he can from his new teammates.
