Geelong's 2011 premiership captain Cameron Ling has addressed GWS after their loss to Essendon, speaking about the challenges ahead for the young club.

Greater Western Sydney made use of former Geelong captain Cameron Ling's motivational skills after their 66-point loss to Essendon on Saturday night.

The Giants' next fixture will be one of their most testing - the Cats at Geelong - but comes after Ling instilled faith in the young squad that they are on the right track.

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy invited Ling to address his charges after the 2011 premiership captain interviewed Sheedy as part of his Channel 7 duties in the maiden match at Sydney's revamped Showground Stadium.

Ling was happy to oblige and Adam Treloar - who had his best game for the Giants with 25 disposals and seven tackles - said his teammates were all ears.

"I loved it," Treloar said.

"He was honest. He told us how they struggled when he first got to the club, and it took them six or seven years to finally become the powerhouse team that they were.

"And he talked about how you've got to stick at it. We're sort of in the same shoes that he was when he was first at Geelong."

Rather than awkwardly attempt to mine Ling's mind for any tactical tips about playing his old club, Sheedy was simply thankful to hear him speak with passion about the challenges facing GWS.

"We were just very grateful that he had the willingness to talk to a very young group of players," Sheedy said.

"It's great to see a captain of a premiership side, just off the paddock, talking to these kids who have come through the under-18 and AIS groups, and from the country."

Sheedy couldn't resist a quip when asked about Bombers coach James Hird's suggestion that he wouldn't like his side to be playing GWS in two years once their draftees have more mature bodies.

"What's wrong with next year? I'll make sure he comes back next year," he wisecracked.

"In two years, we'll be smacking him. But anyway, that's James. He's happy and he's got the team up there at the top.

"I enjoyed coaching against Essendon, like I enjoyed playing against Essendon.

"More so coaching against people I used to coach.

"But I've got to retain the job to do that because we don't play them twice this year. So I'll work on that."

Sheedy said he's likely to resist the urge to recall No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton for the clash with the Cats, while he gave no guarantees Israel Folau would return from a hamstring injury.