MATT de Boer's remarkable career renaissance has continued with the West Australian elevated into a new-look leadership group at Greater Western Sydney.

The Giants will again be led by co-captains Callan Ward and Phil Davis, who continue in the role for the seventh straight year, with vice-captain Stephen Coniglio joined by star midfielder Josh Kelly as a deputy.   

All Australian Dylan Shiel was voted into the group again, but opted to step away from his leadership duties, while veteran defender Heath Shaw also made way.

Devon Smith, who departed for Essendon during last year's NAB AFL Trade Period, was a member of last year's leadership group.

Former Docker de Boer's time in the AFL looked over in 2016 when he fell out of favour with coach Ross Lyon, but he responded by finishing runner-up in the WAFL's Sandover Medal, then helped Peel Thunder to its inaugural premiership before winning the best and fairest award.

He was axed by Fremantle days later but was surprisingly selected by the Giants with pick 58 at the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.

The tough utility left Perth for the Giants with plenty of uncertainty surrounding his career, but while many in the footy world had given up on him, de Boer never did.

"I've always taught myself to never rule anything out," he said on Monday.

"I was always optimistic about my ability and what I could bring to a group, I've always brought intensity and effort to anything I do, and I think the boys here respected that.

"Something I was taught by Matthew Pavlich is that 'excellence is a habit', so it's about attacking everything you do.

"Whether it's on-field or off-field, going to university, or just being a good friend or family member, it's just about doing everything you can to be excellent.

"I've tried to implement that wherever I could and make the most of the opportunity I've been given.

"I haven't had too much certainty or security in years gone by, but that's never really dictated my efforts, and I'll continue to have the same mindset every day and for every drill."

The 27-year-old overcame a series of hamstring issues to play 15 games in his first season at GWS, and Kelly said the West Australian has been a fantastic clubman in his short time in Sydney.

"He's been ultra-impressive and has had a huge impact," Kelly said.

"He's a wise and knowledgeable head, and he'll love me saying that, but his footy knowledge is unbelievable.

"In the 12 months he's been here he's been able to impact players in ways we probably didn't see early on, but he's an ultra-impressive character."

Ward and David will lead the Giants as joint captains for the seventh consecutive season, having also led the club alongside Luke Power in the club's inaugural season of 2012.

The pair sit alongside Geelong skipper Joel Selwood as the only current captains to hold the honour for a seventh-straight season.