Veteran defender and valuable Greater Western Sydney recruit Joel Patfull is back from injury and available for selection for Saturday’s crucial AFL tussle with Geelong in Canberra.

Two-time Brisbane best and fairest Patfull, who has established himself as a key member of the Giants’ backline this season, has missed the past four games.

The 193-game back suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung in an accidental clash with teammate Matt Buntine during the round 11-clash with Collingwood.

Ironically, it’s Buntine who is in doubt for the game in Canberra, which pits the seventh-placed Giants against a team four places and six points worse off.

Buntine will be tested at the Giants’ main training session of the week on Wednesday after suffering a heavy knock in last week’s win over Gold Coast.

He was forced off the ground in the final quarter of the game after he banged heads with Suns player Sam May in a marking contest.

Another defender, co-captain Phil Davis, is expected to return in three weeks after missing the past four games due to an ankle injury.

Midfielder Dylan Shiel faces an uphill battle to play any further part in the Giants’ season, as he will be sidelined for eight-10 weeks after undergoing knee surgery.