THE Essendon paperwork might read: ‘Patrick Ryder out; Jonathan Giles in’, but the Bombers’ big recruit isn’t getting caught up in trying to fill shoes.

Giles, in his first week of training in red and black following an off-season switch from Greater Western Sydney, is all about treading his own path.

“I’m a completely different player to him. It might seem like it’s the perfect fit that it’s happened, but I’ve come to this club and I’ve got to work hard to make sure I’m ready for next season,” Giles told the Herald Sun.

Inevitable Ryder comparisons, ASADA, moving to a city he doesn’t know outside of the MCG and Etihad — nothing seems to phase this uber-relaxed 26-year old from South Australia’s serene Barossa Valley.

He was the first GWS player to reach 50 games, but he didn’t play after Round 10 last season and talked candidly about being squeezed out by Shane Mumford and a clutch of young key forwards.

“We (Mumford and Giles) played together against Richmond and got our pants pulled down. I got dropped and couldn’t get back in, which was frustrating because I was working really hard and I had some consistent form in the NEAFL,” Giles said.

“I sat down with Leon (Cameron) and we had a good, open discussion. I told him that I didn’t see myself being in the team so maybe it’s best if we part ways. We ended on good terms.”

media_camera Jonathan Giles at Essendon’s Tullamarine base. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Adelaide and Essendon came knocking, causing many to predict the go-home factor would see him join the Crows. But a week of training with the Bombers in 2011, a chat with James Hird and the opportunities that come from playing for a competition powerhouse swayed him south.

“Weighing everything up I wanted to come to Essendon. Some people were surprised,” he said.

“It would have been nice to go back home, but that wasn’t my priority at this stage. I want to play the best footy I can and I believe that will come here at Essendon.”

Giles said the prospect of playing in September was a “huge part” of his decision.

“I was talking to ‘Chappy’ (Paul Chapman) yesterday and he said the premierships at Geelong, apart from having his kid, were the greatest moments of his life,” he said.

“Essendon have been around the mark in terms of finals and hopefully we can take that next step next year and be more successful.”

When the conversation moved to the ongoing Essendon supplements saga, Giles didn’t hesitate.

“It was never a case of not wanting to come here because of the ASADA stuff,” he said.

“I had a good chat to ‘Hirdy’ (James Hird) about this club and the direction that he’s going to take this club and I was really impressed by how he spoke and where he thinks this club can be.”

Giles looks at Tom Bellchambers and believes the pair can form a devastating partnership, but Essendon assistant coach Mark Harvey stressed Giles had no act to follow.

“They’ll be no pressure from our end about him replacing Ryder’s output. Not at all,” Harvey said.

“It’s about him establishing himself in the ruck and having an aura about him where the midfield really feed off what he does.”

But for now, Giles just wants to get to know Melbourne and — like all big blokes — where the good food is located.

“I got the car yesterday so I’m looking forward to driving around and getting my bearings,” he said.