GWS coach Adam Kingsley has stopped short of guaranteeing a return to the senior side for out-of-favour ruck Kieren Briggs.
Nick Madden has overtaken Briggs as the Giants' preferred big man in recent weeks, but injured his knee late in Round 7.
Briggs, who has featured in trade discussions following his omission, looms as the like-for-like inclusion and was added to the squad alongside Harry Rowston, Joe Fonti and Jake Riccardi.
“He's a strong chance to get back in. He was very good in the VFL last week against North Melbourne,” coach Adam Kingsley said.
“That was pleasing, he feels like he's in good form. We'll discuss that at match committee, whether it's him, whether we bring Jake Riccardi back and use him more in the ruck than we have in the past. We feel he has that athleticism to get around the ground so that could help us but we'll have those discussions.”
The coach noted that Jarrod Witts' exclusion from Gold Coast's lineup did not impact how the club was viewing selection.
Kingsley reinforced the club's “disappointment” with the AFL Draft rule changes which will make it harder for clubs to match bids for tied talent.
GWS have benefitted the least of the four northern clubs from the previously generous academy rules and are in a region of New South Wales that has proven difficult for the AFL to convert.
“Clearly disappointed with the changes that have been made. We're trying to develop talent to come out of Western Sydney and grow the game and tap into an untapped population of talented people and for us to continue to try and do that and yet now we need to pay a significantly higher price to do that is clearly disappointing but they're the rules so we'll move on,” Kingsley said.
“Part of the attraction for Western Sydney boys is they get to stay in their state. It keeps interstate boys in their home states too, which I think the fans enjoy.”
The 3-4 Giants just got over the top of North Melbourne last week and will face a Gold Coast side which has fallen off in recent weeks, but Kingsley asserted the focus was internal ahead of an opportunity to get a road win.
“You just have to become consistent and that's what we aim to do with our game. It's less about Gold Coast and more about us this week in terms of playing our way in terms of getting closer to the team we want to be,” Kingsley said.
“We took a big step forward last week but we feel we've been really good. I know we didn't get the result against the Swans but we had really good moments in that game so we're pleased where we're heading.
“Obviously introducing guys returning from injury is great but it can present challenges with a little bit of touch and synergy so we'll continue to build on that and hopefully take another step forward this week.”
