If there's one game where Carlton defender Nick Haynes falls off the pace, GWS coach Adam Kingsley is hoping it's in their AFL reunion at Marvel Stadium.

Haynes has shown glimpses of his All-Australian form as part of a new-look Blues defence after moving from GWS in the off-season.

The inaugural Giant took an equal game-high 10 intercept possessions and 18 touches in Carlton's 16-point loss last time out.

He will loom large for the Giants, with refashioned defender Jack Silvagni out of Saturday's clash with groin soreness.

"He's been really good. It's great watching him play," Kingsley said.

"He's a great person and a fantastic player, but again, he's not in our colours makes it a little bit challenging, but that's just footy, isn't it?

"He made a decision at the end of the year, which is the right one for him and his career, so we certainly don't begrudge him for that.

"And we wish him all the best, just not this week."

A lacklustre performance in their 34-point loss to Fremantle has left GWS trying to find inspiration from soccer.

GWS (5-5) are at risk of dropping out of the top eight, while Carlton are 11th (4-6).

Ange Postecoglou's groundbreaking Europa League final win over Manchester United is an obvious example, but the Tottenham Hotspur manager isn't the only football influence for the Giants.

Former Manchester United star Juan Mata dropped by Giants headquarters in the lead-up to Saturday's clash.

Mata played for A-League Men club Western Sydney Wanderers this season.

"We had him through for a short period of time and our players were talking about it afterwards, so it must have been pretty impressive," Kingsley said.

"He would have fielded a bunch of our players around questions.

"We won't necessarily tap into (Postecoglou's trophy win) even though I've watched some post-match interviews and seen how classy Ange has dealt with all the pressure and the criticism, but then the success."