OUT-OF-FAVOUR forward Rhys Palmer is among five Giants in the mix to replace suspended star Steve Johnson for Greater Western Sydney's historic home preliminary final against the Western Bulldogs.
The Giants emerged unscathed on the injury front from their first-ever final – a 36-point upset of crosstown rivals the Sydney Swans – and might only make the solitary forced change.
Johnson has been rubbed out for one match for rough conduct after a high bump on Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy.
Replacing the mercurial former Cat could be a battle between Adam Kennedy, Matt Kennedy, Will Hoskin-Elliott, feel-good story Sam Reid and Palmer.
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Palmer, the 2008 NAB AFL Rising Star winner, has played 11 games this season and kicked 13 goals, but hasn't appeared at AFL level since round 16's shock loss to Collingwood.
Adam Kennedy has played 15 games, mostly in defence, while his namesake Matt has featured three times for three goals, and strong-marking Hoskin-Elliott has only managed two senior games.
Reid, who retired at the end of 2013 before being thrown a second-chance in last year's rookie draft, kicked seven goals from six games in the back half of the year.
Reid, Adam Kennedy and Palmer were among the Giants' best in their four-point NEAFL Grand Final win over the Swans last Sunday.
"It's been the one position where we probably haven't absolutely nailed down – Jacob Hopper played there as well," GWS general manager football operations Wayne Campbell told AFL.com.au.
"It's that sixth forward that we haven't absolutely settled on, whereas the rest of the side has been reasonably settled.
"Match committee's on Wednesday, I think they've had a few thoughts about it, but I don't think they've actually sat down and gone through the team."
The Giants had "a really solid hit-out" at training last Friday, which replicated the club's routine in the week off leading up to the Swans clash, and will have their main training session this Wednesday before finalising selection.
Meanwhile, the Giants have held early talks to send defender Caleb Marchbank, the sixth pick in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, to Carlton.
Marchbank, 19, this week nominated the Blues as his preferred destination after also fielding interest from Essendon and St Kilda.
"I think (GWS list manager) Craig Cameron's had some pretty good discussions with Carlton, so they're working through that, but I think we'll achieve what we hopefully want to achieve and they'll get their player," Campbell said.
"At this stage, it looks like we'll get the deal done at some stage."
Tall forward James Stewart has been linked to Carlton and Collingwood after being stuck behind Jeremy Cameron, Jonathon Patton and Rory Lobb in the pecking order this season.
"There hasn't been too many GWS players who haven't been mentioned (in trade rumours). We're certainly happy to keep him," Campbell said.
