GREATER Western Sydney's Tommy Sheridan won't be weighed down by expectation when he plays his first official game for the club in Saturday's round three clash with Richmond.
The former Fremantle midfielder, who played 81 games in seven seasons under Ross Lyon, was recruited to GWS for his running ability after the departures of Dylan Shiel and Tom Scully during last year's NAB AFL Trade Period.
Sheridan's call-up to face the Tigers is even more critical after veteran Brett Deledio broke down again with another calf strain, and the ex-Docker is likely to step into Deledio's role on the wing, along with returning star Josh Kelly.
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A pre-season calf injury meant Sheridan missed the JLT Community Series, but he did a power of work over summer, and doesn't see his first game as him stepping into the shoes of other players.
"I don't feel any pressure, I just think it's a great opportunity and an opportunity that's there to be taken," he said.
"There's no point putting any pressure on myself, I'll just try and do what I've done for the past seven years playing that wing role.
"The work rate I've got is kind of natural, so I just have to bring that to the role.
"In terms of earning the respect of the players, there's only one way to do that and that's by working hard, and that's what everyone does at this footy club
"I'm just so happy to have been picked, and I'm super excited."
Deledio missed Friday's light session after a scan showed he'd suffered a slight calf injury in last week's loss to West Coast in Perth.
The former Tiger's first two years in Sydney were ruined by similar issues, and the latest setback is a major blow for the 31-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of this year.
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"I haven't actually caught up with him, but I imagine he's pretty flat, like all athletes are when they get injured," Sheridan said.
"It's a minor tweak and he's really diligent with his rehab, so I'm sure he'll be back in no time."
The return of Kelly for his first game of 2019, and the comeback of ruckman Shane Mumford, adds plenty of star power to the Giants' midfield against Richmond.
Kelly has finally recovered from off-season hip and knee surgery, but failed to train on Friday as part of his management plan.
Mumford, who retired at the end of the 2017 season due to a foot injury, was on the track, and Sheridan said his inclusion for the match against the Tigers at Giants Stadium is massive for the club.
"He's been fantastic, he's such a presence," he said.
"It's a great story for such a big man to come out of retirement, and I think he's fitter than he's ever been, it doesn't make sense.
"He's been great for the group, and he'll bring plenty of leadership and experience to the team."
