The GIANTS have made two changes for their round 11 clash at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon.
Veteran Lachlan Keeffe and youngster Lachie Ash return to the 22 that will face the Brisbane Lions in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Ash returns to the GIANTS’ side after recovering from the illness that ruled the 20-year-old out of last weekend’s win over West Coast.
Defender Lachlan Keeffe will add to the GIANTS’ defensive ranks, with the veteran recalled for his ninth game of the season.
Out of the side is defender Adam Kennedy (illness) and midfielder Xavier O’Halloran (omitted).
"It has been a good week, nice and upbeat," GIANTS assistant coach Amon Buchanan said, standing in on Thursday for interim senior coach Mark McVeigh who is having his third baby. McVeigh will return to the coaches box for Saturday’s game.
"Obviously it's a big challenge going up to the Gabba to take on the Lions, they're top two for a reason,” Buchanan said.
"They're really strong in their contest ... we are going to have to bring our pressure.
"They are number one in the comp for contested marks, so they control the airways so it's a really big focus for us to bring the ball to ground."
The GIANTS have also opted against recalling Lachie Whitfield (ankle) and Tim Taranto (back), with the star duo to be managed again this week.
"They have both got niggly injuries," said Buchanan.
"The bye coming next week will be really good for them to get a bit more of a break so both of them won't play this weekend.
"Lachie's ankle is a bit grumbly, and Tim's had a few issues with his back, so that bye will come in handy and hopefully we can get them back after that.”
The GIANTS will proudly wear their 2022 AFL Indigenous jumper, designed by NSW artist Peter Whitton, for this weekend's Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
The GIANTS 2022 AFL Indigenous jumper design is called ‘Together We Stand’ and represents all those within the GIANTS family - the club, players, staff, members, fans and Indigenous culture - coming together to stand tall.
The GIANTS take on the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba at 1:45pm on Saturday afternoon.
