Whitfield ready to make amends for GWS

Lachie Whitfield is ready to return to the AFL this weekend after his six-month ban, says his Greater Western Sydney vice-captain Stephen Coniglio.

Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL player Lachie Whitfield

Lachie Whitfield is ready to return to the AFL this weekend after his six-month ban. (AAP)

Lachie Whitfield is out to make amends and Greater Western Sydney teammates want him rushed back this week after completing his six-month AFL ban.

Former No.1 draft pick Whitfield missed the first seven rounds while serving the ban for allegedly attempting to evade a drug test.

Available again, he will come under selection consideration for Saturday's home clash with Collingwood.

"I think he (Whitfield) feels ready to go physically. Obviously he's a freak talent and in his skill work," Giants' vice-captain Stephen Coniglio said on Wednesday.

"I'd have no problem from a leadership perspective in putting my hand up and saying I want him to play this week.".

Coniglio praised Whitfield's work ethic and attitude.

"Lachie knew once it happened that he felt he let the boys down," Coniglio said..

'I'm sure when he comes back out his performances will be that of making up for lost time.

"Since he has been back amongst the group his work ethic and his stuff in the gym or out here on the track has been first class."

Coniglio said the Giants leaders had talked to Whitfield individually.

"He knows the mistakes he made and the sort of scrutiny that he put on the group," Coniglio said.

"But'he's very much past that now and really looking forward to making amends."

Coniglio felt Whitfield may come back a better player.

"I think so, any time you spend away from the game makes you more hungry," Coniglio said.

"Even my spell with six weeks off, sort of gave me the extra hunger to come back in and really want to make a difference in the group,

"Although he's got some pretty high levels already in his footy, he can still keep going up to that sort of A plus category."

Strong midfielder Coniglio played his first game of the season last week after recovering from an ankle injury.

"I felt really good. I thought I would struggle a lot more," Coniglio said.


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Source: AAP



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