GIANTS defender Nathan Wilson has recovered from a groin complaint and will face Port Adelaide in Sunday's crucial clash at Adelaide Oval.
Wilson, who hasn't played since the GIANTS returned from their mid-season bye in round 15, has been sorely missed in the side's past two matches against Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions, and replaces midfielder Jack Steele (hand).
The West Australian averaged almost 18 possessions per game in the first 14 rounds of the season, and his run and carry from the back half has been a revelation, with Wilson ranked second only to club champion Heath Shaw at GWS for metres gained per game.
Coach Leon Cameron said the 23-year-old has improved rapidly this season after struggling to cement a regular spot in the side in his first four years in the competition.
"He's got a really good rapport with his teammates and he's a fine young leader, which probably surprises a lot of people," he said on Friday.
"He's at the club for the right reasons in that he wants to win games, and hopefully win premierships.
"It's good to have him back in and he's looking forward to it.
"He's got a huge challenge on guys like (Jarman) Impey and (Chad) Wingard and (Jake) Neade this week, there's some fair footy players there.
"He's got to defend first and hopefully he can give us some drive."
Cameron is hopeful Steele will only miss one week after landing awkwardly against the Lions, with scans revealing a small fracture.
With Wilson returning to defence, skillful forward Devon Smith is likely to spend more time in the midfield to cover the loss of Steele, while Lachie Whitfield is set to play in the NEAFL after being a late withdrawal last week.
The wingman is recovering from a bout of tonsillitis and has missed some training sessions over the past fortnight.
The GIANTS need to beat the Power to maintain their spot in the top four, and Cameron is well aware of the challenge ahead, with GWS yet to win a game at Adelaide Oval.
"What they produced against the Kangaroos last week was probably their best performance of the year," he said.
"They've got a lot of their good players playing some quality footy, they're coached well so it will be on this Sunday night.
"There's no doubt they play a physical brand of footy and we feel as though we've improved dramatically in that area.
"To beat Port you've got to be tough and hard and we wouldn't want it any other way.
"The game will be built up and so it should be, it's a cracking game.
"Port are coming hard and we need to keep advancing towards the back end of the year."
