Brett Deledio's impact on Greater Western Sydney goes well beyond the six AFL games he has played so far this season.
The former Richmond champion will play his 250th AFL match, and his first against his old club, when the sides battle it out for a spot in the grand final at the MCG on Saturday.
The 30-year-old has been hampered by persistent calf injuries in his first season with the Giants.
With improved match fitness, Deledio is starting to find his feet on the field, but assistant coach Mark McVeigh says his impact goes beyond kicks, marks and handballs.
"He's been outstanding for us even though he hasn't played a lot of games," McVeigh said.
"He's brought a professionalism to our younger players that perhaps they wouldn't have seen before.
"He's added to what Stevie J, Heath Shaw and those older players have done.
"It's been a real pleasure to be a part of his career, late in his career. He deserves his 250 games and he deserves to play in front of a big crowd and do really well."
Deledio, a two-time best-and-fairest winner with the Tigers, has been an important source of information on his old team in the lead-up to Saturday's preliminary final.
"I think his brain has been picked a little this week and he's been terrific in that regard," McVeigh said.
"We really respect him and we're glad he's playing for us.
"He's a quality person and I hope he plays really well."
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