Jacob Hopper and Nathan Wilson return to the GIANTS side for the first time this year with two changes to the team to face the Suns at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.
Hopper, 20, made a strong case for his return following two dominant performances in NEAFL trial matches over the last fortnight after back soreness delayed his start to the season.
“Jacob is a fine young footballer and it’s great to see him back on the park following a really interrupted pre-season,” coach Leon Cameron said.
“He’s certainly knocked the door down with his performances over the last few weeks and we look forward to him bringing his competitive and contested game to our midfield on the weekend.”
Sixth year GIANT Nathan Wilson also returns to the side to add speed and drive off half-back. Wilson had a standout 2016, playing 21 games, but off-season hip surgery hampered his preparations for the 2017 season.
“Nathan has provided plenty of run and drive for us in recent years and we look forward to adding that to our side this week,” Cameron said.
“Double hip surgery in the off-season held him back in his preparations for 2017 but he’s now fit and ready to go against the Suns on Saturday.”
Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) and Matt Kennedy (omitted) are the two players to go out of the side following the opening round defeat in Adelaide.
Both teams were left reeling after unexpected results in the opening round. Despite the GIANTS’ 56-point loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval last Sunday, Cameron said he was sticking by his players to redeem themselves against the Suns.
“Our guys know what they delivered in round one was nowhere near what they are capable of,” Cameron said.
“We’ve reviewed the game thoroughly and I back them in to deliver a much-improved performance this Saturday in front of a home crowd.
“It will be great to get a chance to play on Spotless earlier in the year than usual and we encourage all GIANTS fans to come out and get a taste of AFL footy early in the season.”
The GIANTS take on the Suns in the club’s first home game of the year on Saturday afternoon at Spotless Stadium.
Round Two
GIANTS v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday April 1, 4:35pm
Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
GIANTS Team
FB: Zac Williams, Phil Davis, Nick Haynes
HB: Heath Shaw, Adam Tomlinson, Matt Buntine
C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Toby Greene
HF: Steve Johnson, Rory Lobb, Jeremy Cameron
FF: Devon Smith, Jonathon Patton, Josh Kelly
RR: Shane Mumford, Dylan Shiel, Ryan Griffen
Interchange: Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto, Adam Kennedy, Nathan Wilson
In: Jacob Hopper, Nathan Wilson
Out: Tendai Mzungu (hamstring), Matt Kennedy (omitted)
Emergencies: Matt Kennedy, Daniel Lloyd, Sam Reid
