Throughout the GIANTS' wretched run of injuries over the past couple of seasons, young guns Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper have thrived with the extra responsibility that comes with the absence of star teammates.
Taranto (49 games in the past two years) and Hopper (44) have been outstanding midfielders for the GIANTS while Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly, Callan Ward, Toby Greene and Matt de Boer have been sidelined for long periods.
Both players, who were top-10 draft picks for the GIANTS, finished in the top 10 in the Kevin Sheedy medal in 2018, while Taranto (pick No.2 in 2016) won it last season and Hopper (No.7 in 2015) came third.
News that Taranto will miss most of the season after dislocating his right shoulder last week came as a huge blow for the GIANTS, and while he's devastated to be without his fellow hard nut in the midfield, Hopper told AFL.com.au that his teammates can push on knowing that Taranto will return after the mid-season bye.
"We've had our run of losing some pretty important players over the last couple of years, and that's built some resilience amongst the group," he said.
"We've experienced this kind of thing before, so it's nothing new, it just gives us the confidence that we can overcome losing someone important to us as Tim is.
"It's really disappointing to lose him, he's a terrific player for us, he's great to have out there on game day and he'll be sorely missed."
Coach Leon Cameron has a few different options to step in in Taranto's absence.
Highly rated draftee, and fellow top-10 pick Tom Green, has started his career at the highest level in good form and finished with 21 disposals, six clearances and two goals in last week's Marsh Community Series mauling of Sydney.
He's an inside midfielder like Taranto so could slot straight into the rotation, while Jackson Hately was also very good against the Swans, and Jye Caldwell will be considered to take more minutes against the Tigers and beyond.
Attacking defender Lachie Ash was a standout against Sydney and his presence could give Cameron something to think about.
Cameron gets Coniglio, Kelly and star runner Lachie Whitfield back for this week's clash with Richmond in Wagga Wagga after the trio played in last week's bushfire charity match, along with Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron and Nick Haynes, so that sort of quality will benefit the GIANTS immensely.
"I'm not sure if a new player will come in or if we'll just shuffle some pieces around, but I've got full faith in whoever steps up," Hopper said.
"Lachie Ash was really significant for us (against the Swans last week) and he's going to be a really good player, and 'Greeny' played really well again.
"Their attitude to come into the club and really work hard has been noticed and they're getting rewarded for it."
