Greater Western Sydney star Steve Johnson could be rested for next week's clash with Essendon after struggling with a foot injury over the past few weeks.
Johnson was one of the GIANTS' best in their 42-point win over the Sydney Swans at Spotless Stadium on Sunday, but coach Leon Cameron hinted post-match that the veteran might not be on the plane to Melbourne to face the Bombers at Etihad Stadium next week.
The GIANTS take on Essendon, then Carlton at home in round 14, before they have their mid-season bye, so it could be an ideal time for him to miss a game.
The 2007 Norm Smith medallist had 27 possessions and kicked 2.3 against the Swans, but Cameron said his gun forward has been battling foot soreness and it might be time he was given a break.
"We'll look at Steve Johnson, he's just been getting up (to play)," Cameron said post-match.
"He was terrific today in such a big game but he's an old warrior, just a competitive man.
"We probably should have rested him a few of weeks ago, and I was disappointed I didn't make that decision.
"He's sore today and his foot has been playing up a little bit.
"He plays such a physical brand of footy and just likes to hit bodies, so we'll just how he's going by about Tuesday or Wednesday."
Johnson's influence at the GIANTS this season has been immense, with the Geelong triple-premiership star kicking 24 goals and averaging almost 20 possessions in his 12 games so far in 2016.
The 265-gamer has also helped lift those around him, with Toby Greene one GIANT who looks to be enjoying Johnson's arrival.
The 22-year-old has booted 23 goals and averaged 22 touches per game this year, and was brilliant against the Swans with four clutch goals.
"I'm pretty hard on Toby (Greene) because I know the ability he has," Cameron said.
"He's into his fifth year so we're expecting him to back up every week.
"When he stays tuned in with the game he can deliver results like he did today.
"He's gone back an re-invented himself as a small forward, he wins one on one footy and guys like that in your team are absolutely valuable.
"I've always stated that everyone has a journey, and Toby has had a journey that's going to be different to Josh Kelly and different to Lachie Whitfield.
"If they buy into the values of the footy club then you want them there, and Toby had a hiccup a while back, but the way he's bought into our footy club is absolutely outstanding."
