GWS has been bolstered by the return of experienced midfielder Ryan Griffen for Sydney Derby X.

The former Bulldog, who brings 228 games of experience with him, has missed the past six weeks with a fracture in his back but was on Friday deemed fit and locked in as a confirmed starter in Sunday's clash at Spotless Stadium.

Griffen was one of two changes to the Giants side which narrowly lost to Geelong last weekend, joining the mature-age Sam Reid in place of midfielder Jack Steele and utility Adam Tomlinson.

Reid's comeback makes for a great read.

The 26-year-old was originally recruited to the Western Bulldogs and played 10 games over four seasons at E.J. Whitten Oval before finding his way to Greater Western Sydney.

He managed another 14 games over the next two seasons before succumbing to persistent injuries and retiring.

He stayed on at the Giants as a development coach only to get his body right, produce great form, be thrown a lifeline and redrafted at the end of 2015.

He slots into a forward pocket having kicked 24 goals from eight NEAFL games this season.

GWS have only recorded one win from nine Sydney Derby encounters.

They've been in great form this season, sitting in sixth on the ladder with seven wins and four losses. Two have come in the past fortnight - against Adelaide and Geelong - so they'll be hungry to bounce back.

GWS defeated Sydney in the NAB Challenge earlier this year with its midfield group firing on all cylinders that night at Drummoyne Oval.

Given they are the number one clearance side in the competition, the midfield battle will be the one to watch but they also boast experience and quality at both ends of the ground in forward Steve Johnson and defender Heath Shaw who can cause opposition teams plenty of headaches.

It's the two sides' third meeting at Spotless Stadium with the ledger squared at one win apiece.