AUGUST 4, 2012 will long be remembered as one of the most difficult, but also one of the most important days in Port Adelaide's AFL history.

Young upstarts Greater Western Sydney marched to a stunning upset that day in a result that left Matthew Primus in tears and ultimately cost him his coaching job as the Power plumbed the depths of despair.

But it was also a day that forced a total rethink of the club's direction, leading to the appointment of David Koch as chairman and the recruitment of coach Ken Hinkley.

Fast forward 20 months and the Power find themselves sitting atop the AFL ladder ahead of this week's trip to Canberra for another clash with the Giants.

"It's a great story, a terrific story," GWS coach Leon Cameron told reporters on Wednesday.

"Eighteen months ago, where that club's come from, it's just fantastic. It just goes to show you can turn a club around really, really quickly.

"You've got to give credit where it's due and the brand of football they play is just awesome.

"They deserve to be top spot, it's going to be a huge ask for us, but we look forward to it down in Canberra on Saturday.

"It's a great opportunity for our young players to come up against a genuine top-four side."

Now the Giants are hoping to enjoy a similarly rapid rise over the coming years.

After picking up just three wins in its first two seasons in the competition, GWS already has two victories this year and appears to be getting it right with its recruitment and strategy.

Cameron, who was heavily linked with the Port job prior to Hinkley's appointment, says he is encouraged by the Power's ascension.

"It does (encourage you), because you have to remember Port are the third youngest list," he said.

"Obviously we're the youngest list, so it's not just on the back of experience, they're doing it on the back of youth and fantastic recruiting and drafting.

"I think it gives confidence to a lot of young clubs that are either rebuilding or starting out, like us and the Gold Coast, that you can climb up the ladder pretty quickly."

GWS is aware of the magnitude of the task in front of it against the Power, but should at least be boosted by some handy inclusions.

Josh Kelly and Toby Greene will come straight back from injury and suspension respectively, while Lachie Whitfield, Dylan Shiel and Rhys Palmer are also in the mix.

Spearhead Jeremy Cameron, who had a procedure this week on a perforated eardrum and is yet to train this week, is also likely to take his place in the forward line.

"He's going to train tomorrow, he pulled up a bit sore, not just the issue with his ear, he's a bit sore generally with his ankle too," the GWS coach said.

"He's going to train tomorrow and … if he gets through he'll play on Saturday."

The last time the Giants played in Canberra, against the Western Bulldogs in round four, the players were left scratched and sore after a sandy playing surface Cameron admits was "not up to scratch".

But the club has spoken to those in charge and is confident the ground will be in far better condition this time around.

While GWS has lost three straight games against the Dogs, Adelaide and Suns, the huge blowouts the side had become accustomed to have at least been reduced.

Cameron knows, however, a lift in intensity is required if the Giants are to compete against the Power.

"I do (think we've been more competitive), but I still don't think it's acceptable," Cameron said.

"We were rapt with the Bulldogs game and just ran out of steam. The last two games I've been more disappointed with.

"We've just dropped the ball with some fundamentals.

"In saying that, this time last year they would've been two 100-point losses and that shows progression, but we need to pick up our game to be competitive against Port Adelaide this week."

Twitter: @AFL_JD