Giants star in fitness race to play Eagles

Influential Greater Western Sydney ruckman Shane Mumford faces an uphill battle to play in Saturday night’s semi-final against West Coast.

The Giants’ 36-point qualifying final loss to Adelaide exacted a heavy toll on their line-up with Mumford (ankle), Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) and Stephen Coniglio (ankle/knee) all struggling.

Cameron will battle to feature again this season after leaving the game with a hamstring injury in the second quarter.

Coniglio has managed an ankle injury for the past few weeks and should play, but Mumford is in doubt after he was spotted at Adelaide Airport on crutches.

“Shane’s obviously carrying an ankle and he’s battling to get up at times,” coach Leon Cameron told reporters.

“He just keeps finding a way.

“He’s a determined player and he’ll be looking forward to playing next week.”

In better news for GWS, veteran Ryan Griffen played in a reserves scratch match in Adelaide on Friday morning and could be a selection wildcard.

“It’s a really big decision … he’s obviously been a super player for us but that’s a long time out,” Cameron said of Griffen, who hasn’t played since round three.

“But you never say never. It’s just great seeing him back out there.”

The Eagles have no obvious injury concerns from their stunning elimination final win over Port Adelaide, but face gruelling back-to-back road trips.

Sydney take on Geelong at the MCG in the other semi-final on Friday night and the Swans are confident Lance Franklin will play, despite a corked thigh.

The superstar forward suffered a heavily corked thigh in his side’s 65-point win over Essendon.

The Cats’ Cam Guthrie and Jake Kolodjashnij are in doubt after both suffered calf injuries in their 51-point loss to Richmond.

Star Crows defender Brodie Smith will consult a surgeon this week after he ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in his side’s win over GWS.

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