Where and When: Saturday 16 April, 7.25pm, MCG
Last time they met:
The GIANTS held off a late challenge from the Demons to upset the AFL ladder-leaders by nine points at the MCG last year. Melbourne's rock-solid defence, spearheaded by Steven May and Jake Lever, kept the Demons in the contest but the GIANTS led from start to finish. Toby Greene was electric with three goals in a low-scoring game as the GIANTS prevailed 9.10 (64) to 7.13 (55). Josh Kelly, Callan Ward and Tim Taranto put in outstanding games in the midfield, with the GIANTS trio shading the Demons' decorated engine room.
TV and Online:
Saturday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7mate in NSW and the ACT from 7pm. The match will also be shown via the AFL Live app with a subscription purchase.
The match can also be heard on the following radio stations: Triple M, ABC and on SEN’s AFL Nation. For the latest television and radio broadcast guide, click here.
What it means for the GIANTS:
The GIANTS sit at 1-3 to start the season following another disappointing loss to Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Saturday night. The Dockers' inaccuracy kept the dogged GIANTS in the game for three quarters, as they kicked 7.10 to hold a two-point lead at the final change, but booted six straight final-quarter goals to pull away and clinch the 13.10 (88) to 8.6 (54) win.
The GIANTS will be eager to bounce back in a big way this weekend and will take some confidence in beating the Demons at the same venue last year.
Where’s the opposition at?
While it wasn’t pretty, the Demons continued their perfect start to 2022 with an imperfect performance against Port Adelaide last weekend, extending their winning streak to 11 straight dating back to round 19 last season.
James Harmes was among the goalkickers on his way to an impressive individual display that featured 23 disposals and two majors, while captain Max Gawn (25 disposals, 33 hitouts, 12 marks, six clearances, one goal) dined out in the ruck. Simon Goodwin's side will notably be without forward Ben Brown on Saturday night after the froward received a suspension in the VFL.
Player watch:
Leon Cameron confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Matt Flynn will replace the suspended Braydon Preuss in the side this weekend. The 24-year-old has impressed in the VFL after being omitted following the GIANTS' loss to Richmond, registering 34 hit-outs, 19 disposals and a goal in the GIANTS' win over Frankston. Flynn will line-up against arguably the best ruck combination in the competition on Saturday night in Max Gawn and Luke Jackson.
In the mix:
After sustaining an ankle injury in round three, defender Nick Haynes will require a fitness test later this week to determine whether he will be available for the GIANTS’ trip to the MCG. Adam Kennedy went unused as the GIANTS' medi-sub last week and is never far from the selectors mind, while Finn Callaghan, Cooper Hamilton, Kieren Briggs, Jarrod Brander, Josh Fahey and Leek Aleer all put their hands up with strong performances in the VFL side’s win over Coburg.
