LEON Cameron's decision to gamble on veteran Brett Deledio in Saturday's elimination final against the Western Bulldogs is no punt at all, according to Greater Western Sydney star Toby Greene.
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Deledio, who will retire at the end of the season, hasn't played since he suffered yet another calf injury against Hawthorn in Canberra last month.
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The 32-year-old has had a horrible run at GWS since making the move to Sydney at the end of 2016, but before that round 21 injury, Deledio had played 11 of a possible 12 games either side of the Giants' bye, and looked finally on top of his recurring lower-leg issues.
Brett Deledio hasn't played since round 21 against the Hawks. Picture: AFL Photos
Coach Leon Cameron included Deledio, along with Greene (calf), Jacob Hopper (hamstring) and Nick Haynes (throat) to take on the Dogs at Giants Stadium.
Greene said after Friday's light training run that Deledio's recall wasn't a shock given how professional the veteran is with his rehabilitation.
"I wasn't surprised, he does a lot right in between games and he gave himself every chance (to play)," he said.
"He's been training for the last two weeks, so it's a really good effort by him.
"It's great playing with 'Lids', he's just a smart footballer who has been there and done that.
"It's obviously his last finals series, so we're really going to enjoy playing with him and hopefully send him out in a good way.
"I don't think any of the boys are really coming off the injury list, we all would have played last week.
"Most of us have also played all year, so I don't see any risk."
While Deledio's selection is a boost for the Giants, it meant Cameron was forced to make a tough call in dropping utility Adam Tomlinson.
The 26-year-old hasn't missed a game since round 21, 2017, and has played 70 matches over the past three seasons.
Tomlinson has filled important roles for the Giants on the wing and as a back-up ruckman to Shane Mumford.
"Obviously it's extremely shattering for him, but I guess it's a good problem for us that we've got that many blokes to pick from that are ready to play," Greene said.
"It's unfortunate, but hopefully we give him the chance to potentially come in next week."
He does a lot right in between games and he gave himself every chance - Toby Greene on Brett Deledio
Running defenders Jason Johannisen, Hayden Crozier, Matt Suckling and Taylor Duryea have provided the Bulldogs with plenty of drive in the second half of the season, and the quartet was highly influential when the visitors won by 61 points at Giants Stadium in round 22.
On that day however, Greene was playing up the ground as a midfielder, and Coleman medal winner Jeremy Cameron and fellow tall target Jeremy Finlayson were missing with injury.
The trio automatically makes the GWS attack far more dangerous for the Dogs backline to keep in check.
"They play a certain way that benefits their side, and they got on top of us a couple of weeks ago," Greene said.
"But we've got a couple of things in place and hopefully they don't have too much impact on the contest.
"Whatever has happened over the last six weeks means nothing now.
"If you win one (final) you can do anything."
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