Stevie J tipped to win place

GREATER Western Sydney is considering making changes as it seeks to keep its season alive, with veteran Steve Johnson’s compelling case for a recall likely to be rewarded.

Johnson was dumped for last week’s qualifying final against Adelaide, while small forward Devon Smith missed because of a knee injury.

Giants coach Leon Cameron said both were shaping up well in their bid to return in Saturday’s semi-final against West Coast at Spotless Stadium.

But Cameron made it clear Dawson Simpson, Tim Taranto, Matt Kennedy and Tim Mohr were also in the mix.

He will make at least two changes after season-ending injuries to key forward Jeremy Cameron and ruckman Shane Mumford.

But there may also be some unforced omissions.

“There are going to be some players walking on thin ice . . . wondering if they’re going to be playing,” he said yesterday.

“That’s the way it needs to be ... otherwise it means players can get away with some bad habits.”

Johnson, provided he pulls up well from training yesterday, is well placed to extend his 291-game career.

The three-time premiership winner was dropped after a poor showing against Geelong in the final round of the regular season.

Cameron said the 34-yearold impressed in last week’s scratch match, trained well yesterday and his dodgy knee was in relatively good shape.

“It’s enticing to look at him because of what he can do,” he said.

“Experienced players in those big moments, they only need eight or 10 possessions but they can turn it into gold.”

The rest of the selection debate is more complicated.

Simpson appeared a certain inclusion for Mumford but the Giants may yet ask Rory Lobb to shoulder the bulk of the ruck burden.

Mohr could be summoned for his first career final, with GWS contemplating the prospect of starting one of their key defenders as a forward in the absence of Cameron.