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GWS coach Leon Cameron has praised Jeremy Finlayson's composed third quarter in the AFL win over Essendon, which came after the Giants star was reported.

Jeremy Finlayson proved sinner and saviour in GWS's two-point win over Essendon, with an undisciplined elbow ensuring he faces a nervous wait for the match review officer's verdict.

Finlayson was reported for felling Zach Merrett after the midfielder kicked the ball in the first quarter, putting the Giants star at risk of missing the round-nine clash with Richmond at Marvel Stadium.

"One week for dumbness," Gerard Healy quipped in the Fox Sports commentary box.

Merrett got to his feet and played out the game, collecting a match-high 37 disposals, while Finlayson slotted two steadying goals in a dominant third term.

Finlayson's fate may rest in the match review officer's interpretation of where contact was made.

"He plays with his heart on his sleeve. He wants to do well for his footy team, I love that he brings out his emotion," GWS coach Leon Cameron said.

"Clearly sometimes you have to keep that in check.

"I haven't seen the incident ... we'll look at the incident and deal with it in the next 24 hours, if there is something to deal with."

Cameron, who denied that his side tried to rough up Merrett, was "really proud" of the way Finlayson stepped up after halftime.

"In the past he has probably fluctuated a little bit, but to his credit he really works on other areas of his game ... to have such a big quarter and be a real option for us (was pleasing)," he said.

Bombers coach Ben Rutten would not be drawn on the clash, but praised Merrett's ability to bounce back from the blow.

"He's a warrior for us, he's such a strong competitor," Rutten said.

"I can understand why other teams might target him at times.

"Zach's a ball player. As long as he keeps going hard at the ball and gets protected within the rules of the game."