Depleted GWS set for AFL grand final boost

With Whitfield (appendicitis) and the suspended Toby Greene absent and co-captain Phil Davis (calf) hobbled, the gutsy Giants held off Collingwood to score a stunning four-point preliminary-final win on Saturday at the MCG.

Greene will slot back into the forward line for Saturday's grand final against Richmond, having served a contentious one-match ban for making contact to the eye region of Brisbane's Lachie Neale.

And Whitfield, having had his appendix removed only on Wednesday, also looms as a major inclusion.

"He's a massive chance, a huge chance, but if he's not fit or healthy enough to play 100 minutes of footy, then we won't pick him," coach Leon Cameron said.

"But all the signs are heading in the right direction.

"The surgery was really simple ... every box was ticked there, so there was no setbacks in surgery.

"Lachie Whitfield will definitely be putting his hand up next week."

The thrilling win over the Pies was even more impressive given the limited output of Davis.

The full-back hobbled to the bench in the first quarter and played out the match in attack.

"Phil's calf was a bit tight and, whenever Phil gets a tight calf, it's normally from his back," Cameron explained.

"He still came and played a role forward of the footy.

"That decision will probably come down to Wednesday or Thursday, but we'll give him every opportunity to play.

"The thing that probably gives me a little bit of confidence is that he did play out the game."

Stephen Coniglio, having not played since round 17 with a knee injury and surgery, will also press his claim for a grand-final berth.

Cameron admitted including the star onballer might be a risk.

"We said that his chance would be if we made the last weekend and now we've given him that chance," the coach said.

"He did a really good session on Friday.

"It could be a big risk but, equally, he's our heart and spirit and it's hard when he's sitting there with Brett Deledio, who would love to play.

"Callan Ward has been whacking away for eight years at this footy club and we'd love to pick him but we can't.

"If Cogs is right and we think that's the right decision, then we'll go down that path."

Australian Associated Press