Sydney Swans coach John Longmire is confident he has the depth among his playing list to cover those lost to injuries ahead of Sydney Derby XV.
Sydney confirmed on Tuesday that Alex Johnson (knee) will require a sixth reconstruction after going down against Melbourne on Sunday at the MCG, and defender Nick Smith (hamstring tendon) won't play again in 2018 unless his side goes deep into the finals.
Both Sydney and the Giants have been hit by a stream of back luck in recent weeks, but despite their extensive injury lists, the clubs feel like they have options to replace their missing stars.
Longmire said every club in the competition is facing issues at the selection table at this time of the season.
"We're both in similar situations and have to deal with what's in front of us," he said.
"We feel as though we've got a bit to draw upon, and the Giants are probably the same.
"Whilst there probably won't be many (AFL-listed players) running around in the reserves for both teams this week, we feel as though we have plenty of options to bring into the team.
"The reality is that over the course of the season, you need to be able do that because you go through periods where you're tested for depth."
The Swans will be strengthened by the return of Zak Jones from suspension, while they could also welcome back veteran Heath Grundy. The pair would be important inclusions to fill the holes left by Johnson and Smith in Sydney's backline.
Longmire said Grundy has continued to train with the club despite missing the past two games to work on his mental wellbeing, and he should be available for selection.
The Giants have already ruled veteran Heath Shaw (knee) out for the year, while Sam Reid (hamstring) is likely to miss at least one game, after both were injured, along with Josh Kelly (concussion), in Saturday night's win over Adelaide.
GWS coach Leon Cameron said Kelly, who was knocked out by a Taylor Walker tackle that saw the Crows skipper suspended for two weeks, might not recover in time to take on the Swans.
"He's going OK, (but) he's more unlikely than likely (to play)," he said.
"He's progressing in the right manner, but I reckon the real test will be (training) Wednesday.
"If he hasn't progressed in the manner that we think he can play on the weekend, then he won't play.
"You can't send out a guy that, firstly, has had a head knock that significant, and secondly if he's not right in such a big game he'll get found out."
Daniel Lloyd and Harry Perryman were outstanding in the Giants' NEAFL win over Gold Coast on the weekend and have shown plenty of promise at senior level, with Jeremy Finlayson also showing some of the form that he displayed earlier in the year.
