GREATER Western Sydney star Josh Kelly has earnt plenty of labels in recent times but being described as the jewel of his side's midfield by fellow vice-captain Stephen Coniglio has to be right up there with the best of them.
Kelly returns to the Giants' team to face Essendon at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night after missing the past six matches with groin troubles and might carry a brand-new nickname into the clash.
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The club champion and 2017 All Australian will provide the struggling GWS side with an instant injection of quality and his teammates couldn't be happier to see the left-footer moving well.
The well-travelled Coniglio has tagged Kelly 'joya' (pronounced 'hoya') – the Spanish translation for jewel – ahead of his comeback game against the Bombers.
"I've been calling him that today," he said with a laugh.
"He's a class player and took is game to a completely different level last year.
"He was struggling with the injury and it probably hampered him and he tried to hide it in games.
"But he lifts everyone around him and to look around and see players like that coming back, subconsciously it gives you a lift I think."
Coniglio, along with co-captain Callan Ward, will appreciate Kelly's inclusion more than most, with the GWS midfield already more potent and dangerous with his name on the team sheet.
Both players had to battle the attention of North Melbourne stopper Ben Jacobs in last week's disappointing loss in Tasmania, with the pair particularly quiet in the second half.
Coach Leon Cameron has this week called for stronger leadership from his stars, but Coniglio refuted talk that the Giants' two best inside midfielders were jaded by a heavy workload with the likes of Kelly, Tom Scully (ankle) and Brett Deledio (hamstring) missing multiple games this season.
"To be fair I've been feeling really good and speaking with 'Wardy', he's been the same," he said.
"I'd hate to see what the last three weeks would have been like without him.
"He's one of the most respected players in the competition and his leadership in that three weeks has been normal for me, but when you're losing (questions about leadership) it gets magnified.
"It's an opportunity for us more than anything, Leon is free to have his opinion on what he thinks but I'm really confident we've got a good grasp on this group, and we'll be able to drag them over the line against Essendon."
While Kelly, key forward Jon Patton and defender Matt Buntine have been included to face the Bombers, Sam Reid (hamstring) has been withdrawn after Friday morning's session.
Reid looked to be moving reasonably well and kicked at top pace, but the defender still felt some tightness after training and was replaced in the side by small forward Dylan Buckley.
