Veteran Giants push AFL finals claims

Greater Western Sydney duo Steve Johnson and Ryan Griffen took part in a scratch match against Adelaide's reserves on Friday morning.

Veteran Greater Western Sydney pair Steve Johnson and Ryan Griffen pushed their claims for a return to the AFL side with a solid practice match hitout on Friday morning.

The Giants reserves took on Adelaide's reserves at Football Park the morning after the Crows' emphatic AFL qualifying final win at Adelaide Oval.

Johnson wasn't included in the side that slumped to a 36-point defeat due to concerns over his tapering form and persistent knee problems.

After a quiet start, the 34-year-old was prominent in the second half, playing on the ball and across half-forward to put himself in the frame for the Giants' cut-throat semi-final against Port Adelaide or West Coast.

"(His knee) has been an issue all year but I think he was moving fairly freely today," GWS NEAFL coach Brad Miller said.

"I thought he put his hand up (for selection), for sure.

"When the game was on the line I thought he really stood up around the contest and got us going ... it was a positive step for him."

Griffen could prove something of a selection wildcard after he was prominent in his first game since badly injuring his left ankle in round three.

"His whole preparation over the past five or six weeks has been to put his hand up for finals," Miller said.

"The way that he broke tackles early I thought was pretty important - that's him at his best.

"He's got himself back and he's given himself a chance ... he's absolutely in the frame.

"We'll have to see how he pulls up from this game ... that will be the key.

Leon Cameron forecast changes after Thursday night's disappointing display and Tim Taranto, Will Setterfield and Tendai Mzungu all improved their chances of a recall with strong performances.

For Adelaide, veteran midfielder Scott Thompson, key defender Alex Keath and exciting winger Wayne Milera pressed their claims for a recall for their side's preliminary final in a fortnight.

The Crows won the game 14.9 (93) to 6.8 (44).


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Source: AAP



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