BRETT Deledio's re-emergence as a top-tier midfielder might not be complete just yet, but the Greater Western Sydney veteran's form is certainly trending in the right direction.

Deledio struggled with an Achilles injury in his final season at Richmond and the same issue flared in the lead-up to last year's finals series, after he thought he'd finally beaten the persistent calf problems that had plagued his debut year with the Giants.

The 31-year-old's best footy was a distant memory and looked like remaining a thing of the past, but a meticulously planned summer has the dual All Australian back in the right frame of mind to be a consistent star of the competition.

He gathered 28 possessions against Fremantle in round four, then followed that up with 29 touches, two goals and six tackles against St Kilda last week.

More important than his impressive numbers over the past fortnight has been the return of Deledio's explosive speed, and his ability to break away from stoppages and carry the footy, where his brilliant foot skills can hurt opposition teams.

"That’s what I grew up doing and I knew it was in there, but it was just a confidence thing," he said.

"(When you're struggling) You feel like you're under the pump more than you really are and as soon as you get it, you want to flick it off.

"I never gave up hope they I could play the game, I just didn't have the confidence in my body to do what I wanted to do.

"I'm just loving being out there loving footy again."

The loss of the injured Tom Scully, plus a new role for Lachie Whitfield across half-back, has robbed the Giants of their two best wingman in 2018, but their absence has given Deledio an extended opportunity to get up the ground.

Deledio said the backing of coach Leon Cameron and midfield guru Lenny Hayes, along with that of his teammates has been a major factor in his performances this season.

"I feel comfortable up there around the action, it means I'm having to win the footy myself a bit more rather than waiting for it to come my way," he said.

"I'm sure there'll be time when I mix up my role and play more forward or back, but at the moment I'm enjoying playing on a wing."

The former Tiger wasn't the only veteran to spend countless weeks in the rehab room over the past 18 months, with former Dog Ryan Griffen struggling with own foot issues.

Griffen played just three games in 2017 due to ankle problems, but he's been solid over the past two weeks, and will only get better according to the man he worked closely with over the pre-season.

"We were too quick to forget how good he is and was back in the day," Deledio said.

"He'll get back to that I've got no doubt because he was showing it to us (at training) just prior to Christmas.

"He's a pretty resilient character and he's been through a fair bit, so his best is yet to come.

"Look out when he gets fully fit."