LACHIE Whitfield is a "massive chance" to return for Greater Western Sydney's maiden Grand Final while there is optimism sore co-captain Phil Davis will also recover from a brutal preliminary final.

But talismanic midfielder Stephen Coniglio's hopes of a fairytale return from knee surgery for the season decider are less clear-cut, with coach Leon Cameron declaring his selection "a big risk".

The Giants went into the prelim against Collingwood without Whitfield (appendix) and Coniglio, while Davis (calf/shoulder) was injured during the thrilling four-point win at the MCG.

The absence of the star defender would be a massive blow for GWS against the Tigers and spearhead Tom Lynch, but they do have Aidan Corr, Sam Taylor and Lachie Keeffe available to play as tall backs if Davis is ruled out.

After the match, coach Leon Cameron seemed hopeful Davis would be fit.

GIANTS INTO GRAND FINAL Full match coverage and stats

"Phil's calf was a bit tight, but in saying that, whenever Phil gets a tight calf it's from his back," Cameron said.

"He still played a really good role forward of the footy and we had to be mindful that he couldn't go at full tilt.

"We'll do everything (to get him up), he's our captain for a reason.

"He stayed so focused and played his role when we needed him.

Things didn't look good for Phil Davis early on Saturday. Picture: AFL Photos

"That decision will come down to Wednesday or Thursday, but we'll give him every opportunity to play.

"What gives me confidence is that he did play out the game, so we'll wait and see."

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Whitfield had surgery on his appendix during the week, but Cameron was more bullish about the star runner's chances of playing Richmond.

"He's a massive chance, he's a huge chance to play," the coach said.

Lachie Whitfield (with the suspended Toby Greene) could be a huge 'in' for the Giants

"If he's not fit or healthy enough to play 100 minutes then we won't pick him, but all signs are heading in the right direction.

"He's up and about and clearly he's an integral part of our team.

"He will train next week and look to play.

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"The surgery was really simple, even though he had to have surgery, but every box was ticked and there were no setbacks.

"Lachie Whitfield will definitely be putting his hand up and if he gets there he gets there, but if he doesn't he doesn't.

Coniglio hasn't played since he injured his knee against the Tigers at the MCG in round 17 and had surgery, and the vice-captain faces the greatest battle to prove his fitness ahead of the biggest game in the Giants' short history.

He's increased his training over the past fortnight and is running strongly, and like Davis and Whitfield, Cameron believes Coniglio could be ready for the decider.

"We've always said that his best chance (to play again in 2019) would be if we made the last weekend (of the season) and now we've given him that chance," Cameron said.

"We'll assess him during the week, but he did a really good session on Friday.

"It could be a big risk, but equally he is the heart and spirit (of our club).

"It's hard because you've got Brett Deledio (calf) who would love to play, and Callan Ward (knee) who has been whacking away for eight years at this footy club, and you'd love to pick him, but we can't.

"If 'Cogs' is right and we think that's the right decision then we'll go down that path."