GWS midfielder Stephen Coniglio is set to return to a former role he held as the club's captain on Thursday when his side takes on the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
Coniglio was the sole captain of the Giants in 2020 and 2021 before a dramatic dip in form saw him share the load the following season with Toby Greene and Josh Kelly.
The star on-baller was whisked away to the VFL in the 2021 campaign despite holding the sole captaincy as an era of change was underway.
Since Greene has led the way, but due to his one-match suspension for his strike on Sydney's Isaac Heeney, and the calf injury to Kelly, the path for Coniglio to return as skipper is clear.
"I hope so," Coniglio said smiling.
"I haven't spoken about it yet, but Josh (Kelly) is not playing as well, so, usually we toss a coin, but yeah, this week I think it's me."
The past three years have seen Greene hold the honours the majority of the time, but, on two occasions, Coniglio and Kelly shared the duties in 2023, when the controversial, yet outstanding forward was absent in Rounds 8 and 9.
But the past few years for the Western Australian native have been about getting his body right, as persistent glute, hamstring and shoulder issues limited his output in the past 18 months.
After playing only 15 games in 2024, including the pair of close finals losses, Coniglio put in a power of work over the off-season, which unfortunately was to no avail. He's added five games in the senior side to date this year, albeit with a stint in the VFL.
But he's last two weeks in strong wins over Essendon and Sydney have seen the former captain return to his best.
"To be brutally honest, I'm feeling great," Coniglio said.
"A couple of games in the VFL was probably a correct move. Kingers (Adam Kingsley) has been amazing with me in terms of holding me back at the right time, and giving me the confidence to build my way back into it.
"Very grateful I'm back playing and the glute is feeling great."
The Giants have been faultless since Round 14 when they knocked off the reigning premiers Brisbane at the Gabba by 11 points.
Their run home has them poised for a top-four finish, with clashes against the Bulldogs, North Melbourne, Gold Coast and St Kilda to round out the year.
GWS all but ended arch rivals Sydney's season last week after a staggering 72-point turnaround from halftime, and potentially have the opportunity to do the same thing to modern foe the Western Bulldogs on Thursday.
