Johnson, Green in heavy doubt for Giants

Jul 5, 2017 - 6:45 AM Greater Western Sydney's depth could be sorely tested against Hawthorn, with stars Steve Johnson and Toby Greene likely sidelined and Zac Williams also in doubt.

The Giants sit atop the ladder despite an injury merry-go-round that's plagued the title contenders this entire AFL season.

Just when the worst appeared behind them, coach Leon Cameron could be forced into more changes for Saturday's trip to Launceston.

Johnson is struggling with an ongoing knee issue inflamed in last weekend's tough draw with Geelong, from which Greene was a last-minute scratching due to an ankle injury.

Neither player trained at Spotless Stadium on Wednesday and are up against it to prove their fitness.

"(Toby's) ankle is taking a bit longer than what we thought, which is disappointing," Cameron said.

"He's a slight chance, to be totally honest ... it can turn around pretty quickly, and if he trains on Friday we'll play him on Saturday.

"But you'd have to say he's probably less of a chance to play this week."

Cameron said Johnson was "really sore", in a sign the veteran forward may miss more game time approaching the finals.

"He's a big chance to miss as well, with his knee and just general soreness," Cameron said.

"The game on the weekend took a fair bit out of him. In saying that, he did present a bit better today.

"But we're also mindful of how many games he can play in a row and the game was really brutal on the weekend -- a contested, high-pressure game."

Williams was a late withdrawal against the Cats with a minor hamstring complaint.

The All-Australian forward completed his own rehab session on Wednesday and, though he's the most likely to play, may be treated cautiously.

"When you're dealing with a really minor hamstring you could say he could get back in nine or 10 days, but if he's not right he won't play either," Cameron said.

"It will be disappointing if all three can't get up but that's the way it is."

The injuries have thrust Harry Perryman into the selection frame, while academy draftee Will Setterfield has pressed his case for a debut after last weekend's 31-possession, 18-tackle, two-goal NEAFL display in his second week back from a long injury spell.

The Hawks started 2017 quietly, but back-to-back triumphs over Adelaide and Collingwood have Cameron wary.

"They were really clinical against Collingwood, it was the Hawks of old," he said.

"They were clinical against Adelaide, they've beaten the Swans, Pies -- they just do the right thing at the right time."

Source: AAP