GREATER Western Sydney knew what it was getting when it made Stephen Coniglio an original Giant, and while his footy talents played a part, his qualities as a person were just as important.

When the Giants were building their footy club from scratch, they knew having someone of Coniglio’s character on the list was almost as important as nailing their wealth of early draft selections.

The number two pick at the 2011 NAB AFL draft has been a huge presence in driving the standards at the Giants in recent seasons, but he's had just as much impact in the change rooms and even away from the club, where his selfless nature to put the team and his mates first has made him an outstanding clubman.

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That’s why the 24-year-old's 100th game against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday is a significant milestone.

Whenever anybody at the Giants mentions Coniglio, they talk about him being the 'spiritual leader' or the 'heart and soul' of the club.

When asked about those tags this week the West Australian admitted he finds it a bit embarrassing at times, because he's never gone out of his way to be anything other than himself.

"In terms of my leadership, my favourite part about it is helping the guys get better, it's all about giving back," he said.

"Care and empathy goes a long way, particularly in our game where it is so hard both on and off the field, and it can get draining.

"I've been very privileged to have that sort of upbringing, not only thanks to my mum and dad who have been the biggest influences in my life, but with my grandparents on both sides.

"Reaching 100 games is a proud moment for my family, so it's a good way for me to say thank you."

Coniglio is the fourth original Giants draftee to reach triple figures behind Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron and Dylan Shiel, and coach Leon Cameron said the milestone means a lot to the playing group.

"In terms of the spirit he provides you can just see it in the way he puts his head over the footy," Cameron said.

"He cracks in really hard, he plays defence and offence really well, and if I ask him to go forward or play half-back flank he just does it and never flinches at anything.

"Those are the sort of players you want on your list and he's our vice-captain for a reason.

"Every club has those type of players that always do the right thing at the right time, most of the time, and ours happens to be Stephen Coniglio.

"Our boys love playing with him."

Coniglio’s selfless attitude was put to the test last season when two serious ankle injuries limited him to just 10 games for the year.

It hit him hard given he'd finished third in the club champion award and polled 17 Brownlow medal votes in 2016, but the gun midfielder managed to keep positive and returned to play a massive part in the finals.

"I tried to flip it around and turn it into an opportunity," he said.

"Yes, I was missing some footy, but I thought about how I was going to turn myself into an elite player when I came back, because that's what I want to be at this footy club."

With his ankle issues well behind him Coniglio has started 2018 in exceptional form, averaging career-high numbers in possessions (28.2), marks (6.2), goals (1.8) and inside 50s (5.2) while mixing his work on ball with spells playing as a deep forward.

Coniglio is a key part of his side's premiership chances this year, and while those outside the Giants might point to the club's two-straight preliminary final losses as motivation in 2018, a flag remains his sole focus.

"I read a passage in Stevie J's (Johnson) book last year and it said a prelim final loss can only motivate a group for so long," he said.

"You've got to find other ways to keep motivating the group to get better and to make sure that you don't make the same mistake again."