Having taken part in an AFL season in which Greater Western Sydney recorded a single win, vice-captain Stephen Coniglio isn't quite ready to hit the panic button after three straight losses.
Great things were expected of GWS this season after preliminary final losses in 2016 and 2017 but they're out of form and have tumbled to 11th on the ladder.
Pressure is mounting on the Giants, who were recently described as being in "free fall" by Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd, and it will grow if they fail to beat the Bombers at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night.
"We've been in some really tough times. We're in a little one at the moment, but we've got a really determined group to turn that around," Coniglio told reporters.
GWS coach Leon Cameron publicly called on his leaders to step up following a 43-point loss to North Melbourne.
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Cameron explained exactly what he wanted during a routine debrief with the leadership group this week.
"To bring guys up quickly, obviously we're going through a little bit of a form slump, so to instill some confidence in a couple of our younger players," Coniglio said.
"Who probably haven't been in this situation, whereas we have.
"And to action that on gameday and set an example.
"Leon's fair to have his own opinion as to what he thinks, but I'm really confident we've got a good grasp of this group and we'll be able to drag them over the line tomorrow night."
The midfield burden on Coniglio and captain Callan Ward will be lightened this weekend, with young gun Josh Kelly among four inclusions.
Kelly, forward Jon Patton, forgotten defender Matt Buntine and Dylan Buckley have come in for Sam Reid, Lachie Keeffe, Jeremy Finlayson and Isaac Cumming.
Kelly, who rejected a $10-million contract offer from North Melbourne in 2017, hasn't played since round three because of a groin injury.
"The Spanish word for jewel is joya, so I've been calling him that today. He's a class player," Coniglio said of the 23-year-old.
"He was struggling with the injury and it probably hampered him, he was hiding it in some of the games.
"He lifts everyone around him .. having an extra on-baller the quality of Josh, and the attention he'll take, will help."
Buntine has managed a total of 41 games since being drafted in 2011 because of a series of injuries, the latest of which required a knee reconstruction last year.
"He's had over 12 months off with his knee injury ... I can't wait to run out with him tomorrow," Coniglio said.
