Giants gun capable of becoming a “really special” Cripps-like midfielder

Do the Giants need more from Tom Green?

That was the question Kane Cornes asked of GWS coach Adam Kingsley as the club prepares for this weekend’s crunch clash with Port Adelaide.

Green’s form has appeared to have tapered off in recent weeks as opposed to his dominant start to the season across the opening six or seven rounds.

Kingsley concurs to a degree, referencing the impact Patrick Cripps has on his Carlton side as a point that Green is capable of reaching.

“I think I need a little bit more from everyone, not just Tom,” Kingsley said on SEN’s Sportsday.

“He’s been getting some attention, particularly in the second half last week (when Hawthorn’s James Worpel went with him).

“I think he’s been competing really well around the stoppages. Is he dominating them like he can? No he’s not, not at this point in time.

“I watched Port Adelaide v Carlton this morning (Thursday) and watched Patrick Cripps’ last quarter. I’m going, ‘Ok Tom, you’re capable of doing that, let’s shift a gear and see if we can be that sort of player again’, which he was in the early part of the season.

“I think he’s capable of being a really special midfielder. He’s been pretty good for us, but he can do a little bit more.”

Despite his apparent downturn in form, Green is still averaging 27.9 disposals (14th in the league), 13.3 contested possessions (8th) and 5.5 clearances (26th) this season.

Green is likely to get at least one midfield comrade back to help his form with Josh Kelly set to return from the calf injury that has kept him sidelined since Round 9.

The defence will also be bolstered with Jack Buckley likely to play after a three-week layoff with a calf issue of his own.

“I expect he (Kelly) will be (right to face Port),” Kingsley added.

“He’ll need get through main training (on Friday) and I expect he’ll play, and I expect Buckley will come back in as well.”

However, Buckley’s return will force Kingsley and his coaching group to make a decision on Leek Aleer, who could come out of the team if the Giants choose not to play Sam Taylor, Buckley, Aleer, Harry Himmelberg and Connor Idun in the same backline.

Back to the midfield and Kingsley is well aware that his own on-ball unit must keep the likes of the returning Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis in check if they are to win on Sunday.

“We’re going to have to manage their midfield. That’s their real strength,” Kingsley added.

“If we allow them to play the way they want to - challenging more off the line and going through the corridor… we expect that to happen and all of their midfielders play a pivotal role in that.

“We’ll come together as a coaching group and try to work out do we tag and if we do, which one? Then try and manage the rest.”

The Giants enter the clash at Engie Stadium having lost four of their past five games which has them precariously placed on on the edge of the top eight.

If they can get up on Sunday, they’ll join the fourth-placed Power on 32 points.