GREATER Western Sydney is hopeful that a knee injury suffered by star midfielder Dylan Shiel is minor, but can't be certain, coach Leon Cameron says.
Shiel was subbed out of the game in the second quarter.
He limped from the ground for medical treatment and returned to the field to test out his right knee, but almost immediately returned to the bench and took the red vest.
"We think it's going to be minor, but we don't know," Cameron said post-match.
Click here for Leon Cameron's full media conference
"It's very hard for me to comment - he's hurt his knee, we think he's going to be OK, but how much time he sits out of footy we're not going to find out until the next day or two."
Cameron said the return of his side's hardness at the footy was the catalyst for its 35-pont win over St Kilda at Spotless Stadium on Sunday.
It was the Giants' first win since round 10 and ended a three-game losing streak that started with their injury-riddled loss to Collingwood at the MCG almost a month ago.
Many have blamed the Giants' poor recent form on the loss of ruckman Shane Mumford and key defenders Phil Davis and Joel Patfull, who all went down against the Pies.
However, Cameron said his team had gone away from what had got them to a 7-3 record before the Magpies clash, and a lift in some key areas got them over the Saints.
The Giants laid 92 tackles and won the contested footy count 159-141.
"I thought that those that actually had a chance to impose themselves on a marking contest, on a ground ball contest, stood up," Cameron said post-match.
"I think our tackle count nearly hit 100; that's just great pressure, and in line with our contested ball, we can actually do both in the game.
"Sometimes we tackle really well, but then the contested ball drops away, and vice-versa, so to get that right today was a step in the right direction."
Midfielder Stephen Coniglio was also injured in the loss to Collingwood, and his return from a shoulder injury was a major factor behind the Giants' return to form.
The West Australian missed the past two matches, but had 12 contested possessions and 16 tackles against St Kilda, while also limiting the impact of Saints on baller David Armitage.
Cameron said Coniglio's importance to the side should not be understated.
"He's a good lad, he's probably having his breakout year. He plays his role, and normally runs with some of the best midfielders, but he also tackles as well," Cameron said.
"To have 16 tackles as well as play on some really good quality, is a testament to him, but also a testament to his understanding of what he has to do for our footy team."
