Uncompromising GIANTS defender Jayden Laverde will approach his reunion with former club Essendon like it’s his last.

That’s the opinion of teammate Jack Buckley, who has only been impressed with the former Bombers player since his arrival at the GIANTS.

Laverde will face off against Essendon for the first time in Saturday’s clash at ENGIE Stadium as the 14th-placed GIANTS (3-5) look to finally kick into gear.

After 145 games over 10 years for the Bombers, the 30-year-old key defender was drafted as a rookie to the GIANTS at the end of last year and reunited with former teammate Jake Stringer.

Laverde has played in all eight games so far, after a hamstring injury to All-Australian defender Sam Taylor opened the door for him to slot into coach Adam Kingsley’s best side.

So valuable has Laverde been that he earned a two-year contract extension this week.

Buckley said Saturday’s clash will be slightly off from business as usual for Laverde.

“I'm sure it'll be a strange feeling playing against the old club,” Buckley told AAP.

“But the great thing about Jayden is he plays every game like it's his last, and the way he plays is uncompromising and doesn't really fluctuate from week to week.

“We’re just going to get the same old Jayden, which is just a contest beast and plays his role brilliantly.”

Laverde has been a cornerstone in a GIANTS side hit by injury, with midfield bull Tom Green (knee) the biggest name out for the club.

Just as the GIANTS began to welcome back a raft of stars from pre-season issues, coach Kingsley was hit with four more forced changes for Saturday.

Jesse Hogan is sidelined with a corked hip, alongside key defender Leek Aleer (ankle), Ryan Angwin (concussion) and midfielder Xavier O'Halloran (ankle).

Essendon has made five changes, with out-of-form defender Ben McKay making way.

Buckley, who has also missed games this year through concussion, heaped praise on Laverde’s leadership.

“He was putting his arm up to play regardless of whether there was an injury opening or anything like that,” Buckley said.

“I couldn't speak any higher about him and the way he's come into the club, just being such a reliable teammate and person to be around.

“I've personally just learnt so much off him already.

“It's a pretty good story this year so far for Jayden, and we're just grateful we have him as a GIANT.”