Sep 10th, 2017

Sep 10th, 2017

FIVE BIG QUESTIONS AHEAD OF THE AFL SEMI-FINAL BETWEEN GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY AND WEST COAST

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY v WEST COAST

AFL first semi-final

Saturday, September 16, Spotless Stadium, 7.25pm (AEST)

* WILL NIC NAITANUI PLAY FOR WEST COAST?

The star Eagles ruckman hasn't played since seriously injuring a knee in round 22 last year. He has been medically cleared to return but his inclusion would be a huge gamble for coach Adam Simpson.

* WILL STEVE JOHNSON AND RYAN GRIFFEN PLAY FOR GWS?

Johnson didn't play in the finals loss to the Crows due to form concerns and Griffen hasn't played at AFL level since injuring an ankle in round three. Both veterans played in a reserves scratch match in Adelaide on Friday and pressed their claims for call-ups.

* CAN THE EAGLES OVERCOME A HECTIC TRAVEL SCHEDULE?

Back-to-back road trips is hardly ideal for a team that contains veterans like Sam Mitchell, Drew Petrie and Matt Priddis. Throw in the extra-time periods played in Saturday night's energy-sapping elimination final win and the club's performance staff have their work cut out for them.

* CAN THE GIANTS PUT TOGETHER A FOUR-QUARTER PERFORMANCE?

Coach Leon Cameron bemoaned the Giants' recent tendency to go missing for a quarter after the Crows blew their qualifying final wide open with a second-quarter blitz. They followed a similar pattern in their season-finale loss to Geelong.

* CAN THE GIANTS COVER THE LOSS OF JEREMY CAMERON?

The star forward inured a hamstring against Adelaide and won't line up against West Coast. The Giants haven't been as potent of late, breaking the 100-point barrier just once in their past 10 matches.

©AAP2017