GREATER Western Sydney's talented list faces its biggest test over the next two months, after key defenders Joel Patfull and co-captain Phil Davis suffered serious injuries against Collingwood on Sunday. 

Patfull punctured a lung and broke two ribs in an accidental collision with fellow defender Matt Buntine in Sunday's 42-point loss to the Magpies at the MCG.

The dual Brisbane Lions club champion is still in Melbourne receiving treatment and is unlikely to be back in action for at least a month.

Giants spoiled for choice

Davis suffered a right ankle injury in the second quarter against the Pies, and emerged from the GWS rooms after half-time in a moon boot.

The Giants expect scans to reveal damage to ankle ligaments, which would see Davis join Patfull in the rehab room for an extended period.

While their list is stacked with young talent, the Giants are not overloaded with key defenders, apart from Davis and Patfull.

Big man Tim Mohr recently had his second knee reconstruction in two years, so the key back posts will likely fall to Nick Haynes and Aidan Corr.

It's a bitter blow for GWS as it prepares to face North Melbourne on Saturday, with power forwards Drew Petrie, Ben Brown and Jarrad Waite available to unleash at Spotless Stadium.

After the Kangaroos it’s the bye, before facing Richmond (Jack Riewoldt, Tyrone Vickery and Ben Griffiths), St Kilda (Nick Riewoldt and Josh Bruce), Gold Coast (Charlie Dixon and Tom Lynch) and Geelong (Tom Hawkins and Mitch Clark) with what could be a severely undersized back half for the Giants.

Ruckman Shane Mumford (ankle) and midfielder Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) also went down against Collingwood and are in serious doubt for round 12.