James Stewart says he’ll use his first pre-season as an Essendon player to increase his fitness level.

The 22 year old officially joined the Club today after playing 18 games in four seasons with GWS.

The Bombers gave up pick 77 as part of the deal.

Stewart said he’s keen to get some miles in his legs over the summer while also building a strong rapport with his fellow forwards.

“Building my fitness base – it’s a bit of a cliché’ but coming in and training really hard – I think running is going to be a big part of it, it’ll enable me to take my game to the next level,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to building good connection and a bit of synergy amongst the forward line group.    

“I’ve had four years up there.  I really enjoyed my time up there, really settled well in Sydney but I’m ready to challenge myself in coming back to Melbourne and a really big footy club in Essendon.

“I can’t wait to get down and start training.”

After 13 games with the Giants in 2015, including an eight mark and two goal performance against Carlton, Stewart found it difficult to break into the senior line-up this year.

“Jeremy Cameron is a really unique talent, Rory Lobb had a break-out year this year and Johnny (Patton) is starting to play some really good footy off the back of a couple of injuries,” Stewart said.

“They’ve got a really good group of young guys up there that I’m really close with – that was something special that they had, but I’m looking forward forging that same bond down here and building a really good connection with the forward line.

“The last four years in Sydney have been a great grounding for me.

“I’ve really been able to grow up, straight out of school moving out of home, but to now come back home with those skills and that experience is going to hold me in great stead and I think it’ll only help my footy.

“We’ve got exciting times ahead.”