Greater Western Sydney’s latest AFL debutant has shown plenty of patience and persistence to earn a game against high-flying Adelaide on Sunday.

Midfielder Stephen Clifton will become the 31st player to be blooded by GWS in their inaugural season.

A three-time North Ballarat VFL premiership player and 2010 VFL best and fairest winner, Clifton has had to bide his time.

“At 23 the door was closing, but I was still hopeful and knew that there was two clubs coming in, the Gold Coast and GWS, therefore a lot more people would be needed on lists,” Clifton told AAP.

“I knew there was still an opportunity so I really worked hard and I’m absolutely thrilled that the Giants saw something in me and were willing to take a gamble, so I’m just hopeful that I can repay their faith.”

Even after being picked up by the Giants, the road to the AFL for Clifton was still littered with obstacles.

He spent almost two months out with a wrist injury he suffered in the first round of the NEAFL and after one game back spent several more weeks on the sideline with a knee problem.

“There have been a few setbacks along the way, I suppose they only make you stronger and make the will and the want to succeed greater,” Clifton said.

Although a product of Ballarat, Clifton also has ties to Adelaide, where he lived from the ages of two to ten.

He adds to the growing trend of mature age rookies making their way into the AFL.

“The likes of Michael Barlow and James Podsiadly I think have set the motion in place there that it can be advantageous to pick up an older mature age player,” Clifton said.

“Having played in the VFL, I know there’s certainly a lot of mature age players out there in state leagues that can certainly make the transition.”

Clifton has no illusions about how tough the Crows will be at Sydney Showground, as GWS look to rebound from a club record 162-point thrashing by Hawthorn.

“They’ve performed really well, all throughout the year, so it’s going to be an interesting debut,” Clifton said.

“They’ve got a very strong midfield, but … we’re all very focused on making amends.”

GWS have made six changes, including recalling experienced duo Luke Power and Dean Brogan plus Tom Scully.

Another in is Israel Folau, who may finally get to play up forward alongside Jeremy Cameron and Jonathon Patton.

Adelaide will give Luke Brown his AFL debut and are quietly confident Kurt Tippett will be cleared to play following a bout of concussion.