GWS defender Connor Idun is well within his reach of making the All-Australian side one day, according to teammate Lachie Whitfield.
Idun will celebrate his 100-game milestone against the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval in Round 7 after seven years in the system.
The 24-year-old wasn't given much of a chance in the competition, taken with Pick 61 in the 2018 National Draft, but has turned the odds in his favour to become one of the most stingent stoppers in the league.
His frame of 193cm generally has him tasked against bodies slightly bigger, but coach Adam Kingsley isn't afraid to give Idun roles alongside the premier small forwards.
His on-field performances have been a standout for the better part of two years, while his leadership has leapt to new heights.
"He's in our leadership group," Whitfield said highly of Idun.
"He's a great figure in our team. His morale is great every single day he comes to training.
"He's a very much loved member of our team. It's a big milestone for him. He's deserved every game he's played."
Whitfield said that Idun is finally getting his plaudits now in the AFL world, but the club knew what they had in him when he was drafted with a late selection six years ago.
"We saw it as a backline unit for a long time," Whitfield continued.
"His first few years, he showed that initial grit and determination that a key defender needs and the willingness not to lose one-on-one battles.
"It was only a matter of time before he got to this level. He's recognised pretty highly in the AFL world, but I still expect him to grow and turn into a premier key back of the competition.
"I'm sure he can make an All-Australian. The sky is the limit for him."
Whitfield also alluded to the club regaining Jesse Hogan for the Bulldogs clash.
The Giants looked aimless in the front half without the Coleman medallist against Adelaide, with Hogan pulled from the game with soreness.
But after a week off, Whitfield is hopeful Hogan is recalled.
"You're always going to miss someone of Jesse's calibre," Whitfield said,
"Whether it is kicking goals or just having a good key target to bail out to down the line.
"We do have a lot of good forwards, and we should have given a better effort over the weekend, especially in our contest down the line.
"There's no excuse, but we'll be happy to get him back this week."
Whitfield also didn't put a line through injured duo Stephen Coniglio and Brent Daniels, but admitted there was many boxes that needed to be ticked.
