There's mixed news at selection for GWS as they prepare to head south and face Melbourne on Saturday night, with former captain Stephen Coniglio not available to return from a shoulder injury in time for Round 20.
The injury will keep the star midfielder off the field for another week at least as he eyes a return from the setback sustained in Round 18 against Richmond.
The 30-year-old was unable to pass fitness tests and resumed training with the club's rehab group on Thursday, with further tests to come over the course of the next week before an expected return against Hawthorn in Round 21.
The blow hs been eased by the confirmed return of All-Australian defender Sam Taylor, who will return from a ruptured testicle that has sidelined him for over a month.
Newly re-signed GWS coach Adam Kingsley confirmed the double selection call on Thursday.
"'Cogs' won't play this week, his shoulder is just not quite ready," Kingsley said.
"Hopefully he'll be available next week, I expect he will be. He's got to get through training next week.
"Sam fine, he'll play."
The Giants will need to find a replacement for hamstrung wingman Isaac Cumming, who will miss the remainder of the home and away season through injury.
While Taylor will come into the side as Cummig makes way, Kingsley is yet to decide whether he rejigs the side that claimed a win over Gold Coast last weekend or makes multiple changes to accommodate Taylor's return and the void left by Cumming.
Round 19 sub Xavier O'Halloran could come into the starting side for the wing role, while Toby McMullin and Joe Fonti are among the names who could be deployed in the role.
Nick Haynes had a stellar outing last weekend in the VFL and could earn a recall, while Ryan Angwin and Jacob Wehr are also in consideration.
"Sam won't play wing, I can guarantee that. He'll slide into the backline," Kingsley said.
"Our decision-making this afternoon will be who fills that wing spot that Isaac fills. I think we have a number of options to be able to do that, it's just a matter of selecting the right one and then getting the job done and playing their role there.
"'X' O'Hallaron came on and filled that role, I think he's pretty capable. We've got McMullin playing forward who I think can come up to play the wing. We've got Joe Fonti, Lachie Ash and Lachie Whitfield off the backline who I think are more than capable playing that role.
"Or, do we look at bringing Angwin, Wehr or Haynes back in to fill it? They've had great experience in that role.
"We've got a few decisions to make a bit later on today."
Saturday's clash with Melbourne will be the Giants' last chance to play at the MCG during the home and away season, with Kingsley's side managing a win over Richmond in their only other game at the venue this year.
GWS and Melbourne are scheduled to go head-to-head at 7:30pm (AEST) on Saturday night.
