Greater Western Sydney will leave no stone unturned as they seek to find Israel Folau’s best fit on the AFL field.

Folau was expected to play predominantly as a key forward this year, having looked his best in attack during the 2011 NEAFL season, but Sheedy revealed that may not be the case.

“He’ll learn to play AFL in lots of positions,” he told AAP.

“We’ll play him in the ruck, so he’ll learn about that. He’s got a fantastic spring. He’s got magnificent, huge hands – so he can push the ball down.

“We’re exploring all of those avenues for him to develop and keep improving.”

Former Port Adelaide veteran Dean Brogan is the side’s premier ruckman, while mature-age recruit Jonathan Giles was one of the Giants’ most impressive in their competitive pre-season start.

Giles, who spent four seasons on the Power’s books without playing a game, is likely to shoulder the brunt of the ruck work this year.

Young ruck duo Tom Downie and Andrew Phillips have both been selected for GWS’s clash with Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday, meaning Folau might have to bide his time before entering the ruck.

Folau’s imposing frame, height, reach and leap will be more than handy assets at a centre bounce, and the move is not without history.

The former rugby league international had stints in the ruck in the NEAFL last year.

Meanwhile, Sheedy expects his side will face a fired-up Hawks in Tasmania.

“I think that the Hawthorn machine will be down there in full force,” he said.

“They’ll want to try and make sure they nail the NAB Cup, setting them up for an excellent season.

“And I don’t blame them.

“I’ve been in that position myself. When you’ve been beaten in the preliminary final by a kick, you want to make sure you get back into that next grand final.

“We’re alert to all of that.”