The GIANTS have confirmed their 22 to take on the Kangaroos in Hobart on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Buntine returns for his first game since the GIANTS’ round eight loss to Hawthorn as one of three changes to the side.
“It’s a tough backline to get into, we know he’s probably played seven or eight games this year already and he can play anywhere,” GIANTS coach Leon Cameron said.
“He plays up forward, he plays back and he always gives everything he’s got each week.
“He’s a player you can always rely on to come in and play a really good role. He wants to make sure his footy is improving all the time and he’s one of our hardest workers.
“It’s good to have him back, he’s very keen to perform on Sunday.”
Buntine joins Toby Greene and debutant Jake Stein in the side while Daniel Lloyd (omitted), Nick Haynes (injury) and Isaac Cumming (injury) come out of the team.
The trio will face an in-form North Melbourne, who have won their last three games including two under care-taker coach Rhyce Shaw.
GIANTS coach Leon Cameron is under no illusions that they face a tough battle against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena.
“They’re playing really good footy, you can’t get away from that,” he said.
“They’re a contested team; the last few weeks have been terrific, their tackle pressure is good.
“We know it’s going to be one hell of a clash on Sunday and we’re going to have to do everything right to make sure we salute in this game.
“It’s a hard ground to win at, they play it really well so we’re under no illusions that we have to be at our very best to knock them off.”
The GIANTS take on the Kangaroos at Blundstone Arena in Hobart on Sunday at 3:20pm.
North Melbourne v GIANTS
Sunday, June 16 at 3:20pm
Blundstone Arena
FB: Zac Williams, Phil Davis, Heath Shaw
HB: Adam Tomlinson, Sam Taylor, Jake Stein
C: Brett Deledio, Tim Taranto, Adam Kennedy
HF: Matt de Boer, Jeremy Cameron, Harry Perryman
FF: Jeremy Finlayson, Harry Himmelberg, Stephen Coniglio
RR: Shane Mumford, Josh Kelly, Jacob Hopper
Interchange (from): Toby Greene, Matt Buntine, Sam Reid, Brent Daniels.
In: Greene, Stein, Buntine
Out: Cumming (injured), Haynes (injured), Lloyd (omitted)
