The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have made five changes to the side for co-captain Callan Ward’s 100th match when they play Brisbane at the GABBA this Saturday night.
Veteran ruckman Dean Brogan, midfielder Dylan Shiel and defender Nick Haynes return to the line-up after missing the match against Fremantle in Perth.
Small forward Liam Sumner and experienced defender Stephen Gilham have both earned a recall to the AFL side following impressive form for the UWS GIANTS in the NEAFL.
Sumner, who re-signed with the GIANTS for another three seasons in April, comes in for his sixth game of the year while Gilham returns to the team for the first time since round 16.
Taylor Adams will miss the match with a back injury while a hip complaint will sideline Devon Smith. Young ruckman Tom Downie and defenders Josh Bruce and Sam Darley have been omitted.
Co-captain Callan Ward will play his 100th AFL game on Saturday night when he leads the GIANTS against Brisbane. The 23-year old played 60 games for the Western Bulldogs before joining the GIANTS for the 2012 season where he’s played another 39 games.
Head Coach Kevin Sheedy says Saturday night’s match is a good opportunity for the GIANTS to bounce back after a disappointing display against Fremantle.
“It’s a big game for both clubs. We’re out to put in a strong performance for Callan Ward’s 100th AFL game and Brisbane will be raring to go,” said Sheedy.
“I’ll come up against one of my premiership players Mark Harvey who’ll be hungry for a win and we’re going to have to fight hard after a short turn around following the game against the Dockers.
“It’s a shame to lose Smith and Adams to injury but’s the five players we’ve brought in will give everything they’ve got as we try to finish the season strongly,” he said.