GWS coach Leon Cameron is banking on the unknown, the adaptability of his players and their proven record of going the distance in finals, to overcome the potential losses of both Lachie Whitfield and Toby Greene for Saturday’s preliminary final against Collingwood.

Speedster Whitfield was ruled out of the game after coming down with appendicitis and underwent surgery on Wednesday, with Cameron hopeful he would be available for the grand final, if GWS gets there.

Greene’s appeal on Tuesday against his one-week suspension was unsuccessful but the club will have one more crack on Thursday at getting the ban overturned

“The reason why we’re going to appeal is we think we’ve got a good case but we’ll. prepare for both scenarios,” Cameron said.

“I know this this is an extraordinary set of circumstances, but lots of of sides will always have Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. and we’re no different.,

“We’ll plan for Toby in and we’ll plan for Toby out.”

“Our players are really adaptable. I’ve had a lot of backs that have gone forward, forwards, who have gone back, forwards who have gone in the midfield in the last two or three years and they’ve performed and actually surprised us a little bit.

“‘So the unknown factor can also become me a very very big advantage for you.

“There’s always opportunities for players to come in and play roles.

“Can you replace Lachie Whitfield and Toby Green? No. They are outstanding players and individuals in their own right.”

Cameron said the contenders to come in for the pair included Isaac Cumming, Lachie Keeffe, Matthew Buntine, Bobby Hill, Tom Sheridan and Zac Langdon.

The Giants have a 5-4 win-loss record in the finals they have contested over the past four years.

They lost two finals in 2017 by six goals, but the only time they weren’t competitive for at least half a game was in the away qualifying final defeat by Adelaide, where the Crows kicked eight goals to one in the first half.

“We’ve had probably one really bad blowout of the finals games we’ve had,” Cameron said.

“But a lot of the time we do go the distance and I think that gives our players a lot of confidence going into this weekend.”

He was confident his players could overcome the distractions of the last couple of days.

Cameron wasn’t concerned about the Giants poor 3-15 MCG record or trying to motivate his players after the setbacks this week.

“I don’t have to sell it. I think if we’re selling it then you’re a fake,” he said.