One of Greater Western Sydney's revelations of 2016 has paid the price for a late-season form slump as the Giants deal with their embarrassment of riches heading into the eve of the finals.
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With close to a full list available, the Giants have options aplenty, as Nathan Wilson learned at selection on Thursday. One half of the Giants' dynamic duo of running backs, Wilson has been dumped but star midfielder Dylan Shiel is back for the club's crucial clash with West Coast at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.
Wilson has been unable to capture his electrifying form of early and mid-season since coming back from injury, averaging 13 possessions in his past three games.
Wilson's shock axing, one of three changes, is evidence of the hot competition for places in the Giants' side, particularly in their defence. He has lost his place to Adam Kennedy, who had also been stiff to lose his place.
"He had close to 30 possessions, gave us a lot of drive and beat his man," Giants coach Leon Cameron said of Kennedy's form in the NEAFL.
"Nathan's had a really good year but his last three games since he come back from injury have been just below par. He knows that and he'll be determined to get back into the ones as quick as he possibly can.
"Guys like Matty Buntine are unlucky as well. It's good having nine or 10 guys putting the pressure on to take the seven spots in the back half."
Shiel returns after missing last week with a groin injury, having proven his fitness at the club's main session of the week on Wednesday.
"We were a bit concerned last week but he's a had a really good week and he looks forward to getting back into rhythm," Cameron said.
Arguably the best of the club's young onballers, Shiel is a massive in for the Giants against an Eagles midfield which has underperformed at times this year but should be stronger for the recent return of gun ruckman Nic Naitanui.
Also included is academy graduate Matt Kennedy, while Sam Reid and Harrison Himmelberg join Wilson on the outs list. Himmelberg is being rested after four consecutive senior games.
Meanwhile, Sydney have named an unchanged team for their clash with St Kilda.