The GIANTS will take extra motivation into their clash with Collingwood at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Vice-captain Stephen Coniglio said the playing group is still hurting from their loss to St Kilda last Friday night and are “dirty” about losing to Collingwood in round 16 last year.

Collingwood is one of only two sides the GIANTS are yet to beat since entering the competition in 2012.

“The first couple of games we were up against it because of our age but the last couple of times they’ve been too good for us,” Coniglio said.

“Upon reflection of last year we just didn’t show up and it wasn’t our typical performance on the day."

The GIANTS dominated the first quarter of their round 16 loss to Collingwood last year, but a nine-goal second quarter by the magpies and six goals to Travis Cloke saw them remain winless against Collingwood.

“We haven’t beaten Collingwood and West Coast and we’ve got them in the next month as well,” Coniglio said.

“We’re still really dirty about the way we played against them last year so we’re looking forward to Saturday.

“For some players it (beating Collingwood for the first time) might be extra motivation.”

Coniglio made a successful return to the GIANTS' starting 22 last Friday night, collecting 24 disposals and kicking a goal in their loss to St Kilda.

After spending eight weeks out of action with syndesmosis, Coniglio said his return went smoothly. 

“I felt really good, I thought I’d struggle a bit more,” he said.

“I was lucky that I completed my first preseason since I’ve been at the club so maybe that held me in good stead.

“Besides the loss I loved being out there with the team and hopefully I can build on the first performance.”

The GIANTS’ return to Spotless Stadium after over a month on the road and playing home games in Canberra could also coincide with the return of midfielder Lachie Whitfield.

The outside midfielder has completed his six-month suspension for breaching AFL rules and is available for selection. 

Coniglio said he’d be more than happy to have Whitfield back in the side. 

“He’s such a popular member of this group, he feels he’s ready to go,” he said. 

“Physically, he’s a freak talent in terms of his running and his skill work. 

“Since he’s been back with the group his work ethic in the gym or with the group has been first class.”

The GIANTS play Collingwood at Spotless Stadium on Saturday May 13^th at 4:35PM, tickets are available through Ticketmaster.