GIANTS coach Leon Cameron says the Western Bulldogs' line-up will be a factor when he sits down to decide on a replacement for suspended forward Steve Johnson.
Johnson will miss Saturday's preliminary final at Spotless Stadium after a clash with Sydney Swan Josh Kennedy left him with a one-match ban.
The GIANTS have an almost full list to choose from this week, with forwards Sam Reid, Rhys Palmer and Will Hoskin-Elliott, midfielder Matthew Kennedy, and defender Adam Kennedy the front runners to take Johnson's spot against the Bulldogs.
Cameron said the Dogs' midfield depth could sway him to pick the player most capable of filling multiple roles on Saturday.
"You need flexibility these days, you very rarely pick someone who can just play as one of the six forwards," he said.
"He's got to be able to play in the midfield or on a wing.
"The Dogs' flexibility is enormous, they probably have about 12 players that roll through the middle of the ground.
"We'll take into account what they're doing, but there's really good depth here to hit the scoreboard, and also put forward pressure on.
"Do we just bring in a forward, is it (Sam) Reid? Is it (Rhys) Palmer? Is it (Will) Hoskin-Elliott?
"We'll probably select the 22 by the end of Tuesday just to let everyone settle."
At 27 years of age and with 121 games to his name, Palmer can offer a steady head under pressure, and has been in brilliant form in the NEAFL, while Matthew and Adam Kennedy could have the edge with their ability to play anywhere on the ground.
Despite not being seen since round two, Hoskin-Elliott looms as the wildcard, but while he's one of the most athletically gifted players on the list and could be a potential match-winner, he's proved to be hit or miss at senior level over the past two seasons.
GWS co-captain Callan Ward admitted Johnson's experience would be missed, but like his coach, lauded the back-up options on offer.
"He's obviously a huge player for us, (and) he's been extremely good the whole season, but we've got really good depth.
"We've got really good goalkickers that can come in and play a role for us, so I'm not really concerned about it at all to be honest."
Ward is part of a GIANTS’ on-ball unit that runs as deep as any team in the competition, but the Bulldogs have the talent to match it with the home side, with star youngsters like Marcus Bontempelli, Caleb Daniel, Tom Liberatore, Lachie Hunter and Jack Macrae leading the way.
The GWS hard nut, who played 60 games in four seasons with the Bulldogs and still considers some of the opposition his mates, said he's well and truly over the novelty of facing his former side.
"They're very impressive the Dogs, personally I love the way they play footy," he said.
"Their pressure is extremely high, they tackle hard, and they hit the ball hard.
"I think that suits us as well though, we play a good physical brand of football as well.
"It's us against them and will be a great game."
