GWS will unveil Academy graduate Harvey Thomas in their season opener against Collingwood on Saturday.
Thomas was drafted to the Giants as the 59th selection in last year's draft, making an instant impact over the pre-season to get himself in line for an early debut.
A product of the club's Academy, as well as Turvey Park and the Oakleigh Chargers, Thomas is capable of playing across all three lines of the field, with a more attacking role likely suited to the teenager for this weekend.
Thomas booted one goal from his maiden pre-season appearance against Sydney and backed that performance up with 14 touches against Gold Coast last week.
He also recently earned the praise of former GWS captain Stephen Coniglio, who said the youngster looked at home at senior level.
"I've been in his position a long time ago, but you could see him thinking (pre-game) 'what's going to go on here'?" Coniglio said.
"At the end of the game I spoke to him and said 'mate, you can play at this level'. He's shown that.
"It wasn't anย AFLย game, but he's showed enough, definitely. He's only going to get better for this season and beyond. I expect a lot of games from him in this Giants top."
The Giants confirmed on Thursday that Thomas will line up against the Magpies in Saturday's preliminary final rematch at GIANTS Stadium.
Thomas is likely to fill a void left by injured trio Harry Perryman (hamstring), Finn Callaghan (shoulder) and Isaac Cumming (quad) in Adam Kingsley's squad, with all three Giant set to miss the opening round at the very least.
First-round draftees James Leake (quad) and Phoenix Gothard (illness) are also sidelined, as is rookie Nathan Wardius (shin), while second-year speedster Darcy Jones is dealing with tonsilitis and knee soreness.
GWS will name their Opening Round squad on Thursday evening ahead of Saturday's clash with Collingwood at GIANTS Stadium.
