The GIANTS have made just one change for Saturday’s match against Hawthorn with small forward Rhys Palmer returning to the side.
Palmer replaces Devon Smith who’ll miss the match with knee soreness.
It’s the same issue that kept Smith out of the round four match against Port Adelaide, with the small forward set to see a specialist on Friday.
“It’s disappointing,” coach Leon Cameron said.
“He hasn’t really had a good run at it over the last month or so.”
Cameron welcomed back 27-year old Palmer, with the coach admitting the 114-game player was unlucky to miss round five.
“He was a little bit stiff to go out last week so he’s looking forward to coming back in on Saturday night.
“He played the first four games, his form was getting better but we had a few match ups that we wanted to take into the game last week so that cost Rhys.
“We know he’ll bring that effort and defensive side to the game so he’s looking forward to it.”
Saturday’s blockbuster is the first game at Spotless Stadium this season and will see two in-form teams battle it out.
After dropping their season opener, three-time reigning premiers Hawthorn have won four in a row while the GIANTS are coming off back-to-back wins against Port Adelaide and St Kilda.
Cameron said his side was looking forward to returning to their Sydney home ground.
“It’s great to play at Spotless, we know it’s a great ground,” said Cameron.
“We’re starting to build a better record there. Last year we won six out of eight, but in saying that we are playing one of the premiership fancies in the Hawks so we know what they can do on any given day.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity for us to play, a great opportunity for them.
“That 4.35pm time slot is fantastic for our crowd and our members and supporters so hopefully we can get a really big crowd and atmosphere and both teams can put on great performances.”
GWS GIANTS
FB: Heath Shaw, Phil Davis, Matt Buntine
HB: Zac Williams, Joel Patfull, Adam Kennedy
C: Nathan Wilson, Dylan Shiel, Ryan Griffen
HF: Lachie Whitfield, Jonathon Patton, Josh Kelly
FF: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Callan Ward
RR: Shane Mumford, Tom Scully, Stephen Coniglio
Interchange: Rhys Palmer, Steve Johnson, Jack Steele, Rory Lobb
Emergencies: Nick Haynes, Adam Tomlinson, Sam Reid
In: Rhys Palmer
Out: Devon Smith (knee)
The GIANTS take on the three-time reigning premiers Hawthorn in their first game at Spotless Stadium for the year on Saturday April 30 at 4.35pm. Click here to buy your tickets now.
