GWS Giants coach Adam Kingsley concedes a 'difficult' match committee awaits this week, with three All-Australians set to return from injury for this weekend's Sydney Derby.
The imminent inclusions of reigning Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan, classy midfielder Josh Kelly and intercepting defender Sam Taylor mean some players will be 'unlucky' to miss, according to the third-year coach.
The Giants have lost the past five instalments of the 'Battle of the Bridge', with Kingsley fanning the flames of the rivalry.
"We all know what the derbies are like โ it really doesn't matter who takes the field, (it) doesn't matter what the position on the ladder suggests. They're always hard fought games, and anyone can win. I'm sure once that ball bounces it'll be pretty ferocious โ these games typically are," he said.
"They've had us covered over the last two years โ we know we need to do something about that.
"Losing five consecutive games against an opposition isn't where we want to be. We've got five more really important games, and this is one of them.
"They've (the Swans) been in great form, the last six weeks particularly. We feel like we've prepared really well - we need to start really well โ we didn't do that last time."
Catalysts for the Swans' recent form include usual suspects Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Errol Gulden.
"We're fully aware of the threats that those three pose; they've owned the Kirk medal over the couple of years," Kingsley said, while offering that a tagging role for Toby Bedford is not beyond the realms of possibility.
The first use of resurgent ruckman Brodie Grundy that has afforded the trio also drew Kingsley's respect, while admitting that quelling the considerable influence of the rampant Grundy presents a 'big challenge' for Giants incumbent, Kieren Briggs.
"Grundy's been in awesome form; he's perhaps an All-Australian ruckmanm," Kingsley said.
"Their stoppage game from about 6 weeks ago has really ramped up. They lead the league in stoppage scores over that period of time."
The Giants are one of four sides with 12 wins at this point of the season, with neither a top four berth, or missing the finals completely, out of the question.
His side's recent form, however, instils a quiet confidence in the Giants coach.
"We don't talk about top four, we just talk about playing our game each and every week," he said.
"We need to make sure we play our brand in each and every game, and I think that gives us a really good chance to beat anyone we play. We've proven that in the last five weeks; we've beaten three top eight teams in that span, and Sydney are playing like a top eight team."
Midfield bull Tom Green's recent form has been lauded across the football media landscape, with his coach the latest to afford Green his praise.
"We know what Tom is โ he's a big inside mid who can clear the ball as good as anyone in the league," he said.
"He's contributing in many phases for us, not just at stoppage, but his stoppage play is elite."
Kingsley expects Green to receive close attention from Swan James Rowbottom, but backs his talismanic young leader to work through such a challenge.
"It's gonna be a tough match up for him," he said. "We just need him to do his thing, keep working hard and contributing to the team performance."
While Sam Taylor's return undoubtedly bolsters an already stingy Giants defence, the talents of the in-demand Leek Aleer may not be at Kingsley's disposal this weekend, as he manages soreness.
Kingsley's been impressed by the comportment of the rising star, with clubs like St Kilda vying for his services.
"He's handling it extremely well. I haven't noticed a change in behaviour, at all, throughout the course of the season. He's head down, bum up, getting to work, making sure he prepares really well, and then performing well," he said.
"We hope he stays. We know there's a lot of interest in him. He's going to be a really good player - we know that - and we'd love to be able to keep him."
Another player watching from the sidelines will be versatile small Brent Daniels, who is still rehabilitating an adductor issue.
"He's running and his rebuilding his fitness, up to a level where he can train fully soon," Kingsley offered.
The Giants are taking a day by day approach to their star's program, but remain optimistic that 'Binga' will be seen before the finals commence.
The Giants host the Swans at ENGIE Stadium this Friday night, in the 31st instalment of the 'Battle of the Bridge'.
