The GIANTS have made four changes for Saturday afternoon’s clash with the Brisbane Lions in the nation’s capital.

The GIANTS will be boosted by the return of star midfielder Jacob Hopper with Connor Idun, Xavier O’Halloran and Jake Riccardi also returning to the side.

Hopper returns for his first AFL game since round two after having a second surgery on his knee.

The All Australian squad member played the past two weeks in the VFL as he regained full fitness, picking up 32 disposals while being tagged against Williamstown last Sunday.

Key defender Idun comes straight back into the side after missing round 17 under the AFL’s Health and Safety protocols.

Midfielder O’Halloran and key forward Riccardi have both been recalled following impressive performances in the VFL.

O’Halloran came on in the GIANTS’ loss to the Power last week as the medi-sub and played a quarter and a half before travelling to Melbourne the next morning and gathering 19 disposals and kicking two goals in the VFL.

Riccardi also impressed in that game with three goals and 10 tackles.

Out of the side is Adam Kennedy, who suffered a concussion during the loss to the Power and entered the 12-day protocols.

Key defender Phil Davis is also out after injuring his hamstring in the same game, with the former co-captain to miss the remainder of the season after requiring surgery.

Lachie Whitfield will miss Saturday’s match with a hip flexor injury he’s been managing in recent weeks while Callum Brown has been omitted.

The GIANTS take on the Lions on Saturday at 1:45pm at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Tickets for Saturday’s game in Canberra are available at Ticketek or you can secure your seats HERE.