GWS coach Leon Cameron is backing his AFL stars' versatility to come to the fore against Essendon at Giants Stadium after a calf setback for Jesse Hogan capped an injury-marred week.

Sam Reid (hamstring) and Brent Daniels (hamstring) were both hurt in the Giants' win over Adelaide, while Hogan was another enforced omission for Saturday's clash.

The Giants opted against risking prized recruit Hogan, who booted four goals during an impressive club debut against the Crows after recovering from a quad injury.

"Jesse felt a bit of tightness in his calf during training on Friday," Cameron said.

"It's only very minor.

"But it's a long season and we want him out on the field more often than not."

Veteran ruckman Shane Mumford will back-up and face the Bombers.

Daniel Lloyd will play his first game of the year after recovering from a quad injury, while Zach Sproule and Tanner Bruhn have also been recalled.

The absence of Hogan will force Cameron, whose injury list is headed by Stephen Coniglio and Phil Davis, to reshuffle his magnets yet again.

Cameron is weighing up whether fit-again star Lachie Whitfield should return to the half-back flank after a promising game on the wing against the Crows.

"You have to have flexibility. That's one thing we pride ourselves on," Cameron told reporters.

"And we look forward to displaying that on the weekend.

"You saw Nick Haynes play on the wing before he was injured, Harry Perryman goes back and on the wing."

Josh Kelly is another example of a player to have excelled in multiple positions, having spent time as an on-baller, winger and forward during 2021.

Rival suitors will be able to dangle the carrot of more midfield minutes in front of Kelly, who will either become a free agent at season's end or activate a contract clause that triggers an eight-year extension at GWS,

"I'm confident that is all heading in the right direction," Cameron said.

"His last month has been first-class.

"His ability to adapt and play some great footy - and kick some good clutch goals when we've needed the - has been absolutely first class.

"He's in a really good space, I'm really confident that will get done."

Veteran Callan Ward said he has no concerns about Kelly's contract status.

"I talk to Josh almost every day about how much he loves Sydney," Ward said.