GWS will make at least two changes for Thursday's contest with Essendon, with veterans Jesse Hogan and Josh Kelly both rested for the trip to Melbourne.

Hogan will be managed amid a five-day break from the Giants' win over Geelong on Saturday, with the Coleman Medal winner having come off a foot issue for that victory.

Kelly has been dealing with a hip injury and won't be risked for the flight to Victoria, with coach Adam Kingsley confirming the midfielder needed a week off sometime in the run home.

"We'll have a couple of changes," Kingsley said on Tuesday.

"Jesse won't play. He was OK, but on the short turnaround, he probably can't handle that.

"Josh Kelly will be another one we don't play. His hip is giving him a little bit of grief. We need to give him a week off, and this is the game.

 Thursday, July 17 
GWS WON BY 48 POINTS
Marvel Stadium
ESS   
56
FT
104
   GWS

"I think it settles, but it's something ongoing. This may not be the last game he misses for the season.

"So this gives opportunities for another couple to come in and hopefully perform really well."

Former captain Stephen Coniglio is likely to step into the senior side for his first game since Round 3 due to an ongoing glute issue.

GWS defender Sam Taylor to miss extended period, coach hints at replacement
Stephen Coniglio

Coniglio has spent the past two weeks in the VFL building up his fitness, with the veteran midfielder tipped to return to the AFL to take on the Bombers.

"'Cogs' will be good, he got through training," the Giants' coach said.

"He's had two games back, we think he's ready to go. So I'd expect to see him.

"Sam (is) probably one more week (from a return). I think we'll see him for the Swans game.

The Giants will "continue to manage" key defender Jack Buckley's ankle issue and may not name him either, while Toby Greene is also a test as he is "managing a few little things".

GWS will face Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night at 7:30 pm (AEST).