THE FORM and fitness of Greater Western Sydney veterans Brett Deledio and Ryan Griffen was a major positive to come out of the club's hard-fought win over Fremantle at UNSW Canberra Oval on Saturday.
The pair have both struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, with Deledio (calf/Achilles) and Griffen (ankle) breaking down multiple times in 2017.
But in a great sign for the Giants' top four chances this season, Deledio has gradually picked up his form over the first four games, with the dual All Australian finishing with 28 disposals against the Dockers.
GWS coach Leon Cameron said Deledio's impact was pleasing.
WATCH THE COACH: See Leon Cameron's full media conference
"Clearly it was his best game for our footy club," he said after the match.
"I thought he really stood out in doing the basics well in tough conditions, but it's good, he's had a really good four weeks.
"He knows if he does the basics well he'll keep getting better and better and better."
Griffen wasn't as prolific on the stats sheet but kicked two goals in the first half opposed to former teammate Nathan Wilson, and more importantly got through his first senior game since round three last year.
"It's pleasing because he's had such a wretched run, not just last year but the year before as well," Cameron said.
"He's had some ups and downs and he's probably two or three weeks away from getting back to his very best.
"He's the first to admit that at times he was a bit rusty, but the real pleasing thing is for him to be playing footy again, because it wasn't looking all that good a couple of weeks ago."
Cameron backed Lachie Whitfield to work through his struggles after the defender was tagged out of the game in the first half by draftee Bailey Banfield.
The 23-year-old had just six touches at half-time after being similarly targeted last week by the Swans.
"I thought he kept on hanging in there and clearly as you progress as a footy player you have your ups and downs," Cameron said.
"Your downs can come because the opposition might target you, but Lachie looks at it as a compliment.
"The good thing about it is he wants to learn and he's not going to run away from it, and every game he plays with that attention he'll get better."
Star forward Jeremy Cameron could be in doubt for next week's clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, with the Giant battling through Saturday's win with what appeared to be an injury to his left leg.
Cameron was limping noticeably at times but played out the match and finished with two goals from his 20 possessions and 12 marks.
"His such a combative player that sometimes we cringe, because of the way attacks the footy," his coach said.
"You love it, but you also want him to come off injury free.
"He's copped some really good hits and his knee was sore, he just jarred his knee, so we need to look after him during the week."
