Greater Western Sydney coach Adam Kingsley insists Toby Greene's impact is being "glossed over" by critics and has backed his captain to return to his damaging best in the near future.
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A spotlight has been shone on Greene's lean form in recent weeks, with the 30-year-old star conceding his output has been down after a career-best season last year.
Greene has managed only 11 goals from eight games this season in his lowest scoring rate since 2015 - except for 2020 when games were shortened.
But Kingsley feels Greene is being judged harshly and said the Giants measure their leader's contribution well beyond the scoreboard.
"He's still having an enormous impact for us," Kingsley told reporters ahead of Saturday's important home clash with the Western Bulldogs.
"The simple reality is he's not walking away with three or four goals every week, so maybe his impact gets glossed over, but I'm sure that finish will return pretty quickly.
"One thing with a key forward is you can sort of be off your game but it can turn really quickly and we're hoping (Saturday) is the day."
Kingsley conceded parts of Greene's game "aren't quite at the level they were last year" as he strives to rekindle the form that led to him being named All-Australian captain in 2023.
"His finishing, he's not quite getting that done, and perhaps his contest is a little down" Kingsley said.
"In terms of one-on-one contests he's normally a little bit better, but that will come, I'm really confident in that.
"What we can't overlook is the fact he still ranks 'elite' for possessions for his position, inside-50s, ground balls, marks, score assists and score involvements."
One GWS forward who has made goal umpires do plenty of work this season is Jesse Hogan, who will play his 150th AFL game against the Bulldogs.
The former Fremantle and Melbourne spearhead has found a home at the Giants in recent seasons after a turbulent start to his career beset by injuries, personal battles and illness.
Hogan kicked a career-best 49 goals last year and is on track to better that mark this season, firmly in the Coleman Medal race with 26 majors in nine games.
"His start to the season has been really good for us. He provides a big target on the field for us, a reliable target," Kingsley said.
"But off the field he's equally important, particularly to our young key forwards. We've got a few of them; Jake Riccardi, Aaron Cadman, Max Gruzewski.
"They're young keys who are still finding their way and learning their craft and Jesse's certainly one who's experienced but also very knowledgeable in the details and the intricacies of being a key forward.
"His ability to pass on that knowledge has been invaluable so far and I'm sure he'll continue to do that."
GWS (6-3) have lost three of their last four games and Kingsley tipped a fierce contest from the Bulldogs (4-5) in the Giants' first home game at Engie Stadium in more than two months.
Australian Associated Press
