Britt Perry will make her NAB AFL Women’s debut in Friday night’s blockbuster clash with the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos at Drummoyne Oval.
The South Australian midfielder is one of three changes to the GIANTS’ side that narrowly lost to the Brisbane Lions by two points in round one.
Also included in the team are forward Jacinda Barclay and defender Ellie Brush who were mainstays of the GIANTS’ side across the first two seasons and will play their first games of 2019.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY: Plan your evening at Drummoyne Oval with this Match Day Information
Selected with the GIANTS’ second pick (34rd overall) in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft, Perry averaged 17 disposals a game for North Adelaide in the 2018 SANFLW season and was later named in the competition’s team of the year.
The zippy 24-year-old is also a promising cricketer, contracted with both the South Australia state side and the Adelaide Strikers in the WBBL across the 2017/18 summer.
GIANTS coach Alan McConnell said Perry’s debut is a deserving one, with the Gawler product impressing since arriving at the WestConnex Centre last November.
“It’s been an interesting journey for her, to come from country South Australia to chase a dream,” he said.
“She showed good form over the pre-season and has trained really well.
“I think she brings a level of skill to our team that will be an excellent addition.”
Barclay missed round one due to work commitments and is a straight swap for fellow forward Aimee Schmidt who dislocated her right elbow in the opening minutes of last Sunday’s game.
Meanwhile, Canberran Brush has recovered from a hamstring injury and adds run to the GIANTS’ half-back line.
“I thought our backline held up quite well last week and the addition of Brush gives us another dimension and the ability to rebound more effectively,” McConnell said.
“Jacinda’s work has been a bit of an impediment to her pre-season, so it’s good that she’s able to come back into the team this week.
“We look forward to her contested marking and her contribution with her aggression ahead of the ball.”
Maddy Collier and Jodie Hicks have been omitted.
It’s the first time the GIANTS will take on AFLW newcomers the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and McConnell isn’t taking them lightly after they dispatched Carlton by 36 points in round one.
“They’ve had a great start to their AFLW journey,” he said. “So, we’re looking forward to a good contest and some good weather.
The GIANTS take on the Kangaroos at Drummoyne Oval on Friday, February 8 at 7:15pm, entry is free.
The game will also be shown live on 7Mate in NSW and ACT and Fox Footy (channel 504) nationally as well as being streamed on womens.afl.
GIANTS v North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos
Friday, February 8 at 7:15pm (EDT)
Drummoyne Oval
FB: Pepa Randall, Emma Swanson, Phoebe Monahan
HB: Amanda Farrugia, Tanya Hetherington, Ellie Brush
C: Alicia Eva
HF: Jess Dal Pos, Jacinda Barclay, Haneen Zreika
FF: Christina Bernardi, Cora Staunton, Yvonne Bonner
RR: Erin McKinnon, Courtney Gum, Rebecca Beeson
Interchange: Nicola Barr, Louise Stephenson, Elle Bennetts, Alyce Parker, Britt Perry
Emergencies: Maddy Collier, Tait Mackrill
In: Britt Perry, Jacinda Barclay, Ellie Brush
Out: Aimee Schmidt (elbow), Jodie Hicks (omitted), Maddy Collier (omitted)
