Where and When:
Sunday, March 26 at 6:20pm EDT/3:20pm WST
Whadjuk Country | Optus Stadium
What it Means for the GIANTS:
Newly appointed sole-captain Toby Greene ensured the Adam Kingsley era started with a win for the GIANTS last weekend. On a day of injury carnage and brutal conditions that peaked at 36 degrees, the GIANTS captain slotted four goals from 19 disposals to lead his side past the Crows by 16-points at GIANTS Stadium. It came after Adelaide dominated the opening half and should have led by far more than 28 points at half-time, before the GIANTS kicked 11 goals to four in the second half to win 15.16 (106) to 12.18 (90). The GIANTS will look to carry the momentum into the trip to Western Australia, with Adam Kingsley’s side chasing back-to-back wins for the first time since 2021.
Last Time We Met:
The GIANTS recorded an emphatic 52-point win over West Coast in what was Mark McVeigh’s first game as the GIANTS’ interim coach at GIANTS Stadium last year. McVeigh’s side outclassed the undermanned Eagles from the opening bounce to claim a 21.12 (138) to 13.8 (86) win. Both teams were missing several stars, especially after the GIANTS made nine changes to their team from the previous week, but the GIANTS settled quicker with four unanswered goals in the opening nine minutes that set the tone for the match. The GIANTS went on to post their biggest first-half score since round four, 2016 - and their second-highest ever - to lead 14.3 to 5.4 at the main break. Stephen Coniglio starred in the midfield with 36 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency, while fellow midfielder Josh Kelly (29 disposals) continued his strong form. The GIANTS shared the goals around, with youngster James Peatling kicking three majors and six players, including Toby Greene and Jesse Hogan, finishing with two.
Where’s the opposition at?
It was a difficult start to the Eagles’ 2023 season, with North Melbourne hanging on for a dramatic five-point victory over Adam Simpson’s side in the opening round. The loss was the Eagles 25th loss in their past 27 games, a streak that stretches back to round 20, 2021. Big-bodied midfielder Jai Culley was managed with calf soreness last week but is likely to be considered this week if fit. Nic Naitanui (achilles tendon) and Elliot Yeo (calf) appear unlikely to return this week.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
After being elevated from co-captain in 2022 to standalone skipper in 2023, Toby Greene showed why he is not only one of the best players in the AFL, but an inspired choice as captain. The dual All-Australian got the better of Adelaide key defender Tom Doedee in an enthralling battle, kicking 4.4 from 19 disposals and eight marks in a match winning performance that helped drag the GIANTS across the line last weekend. "I thought he was outstanding, particularly when the game was on the line, some of Toby's contest work in the front half, particularly in the second half and that last quarter was unbelievable,” GIANTS coach Adam Kingsley said of Greene post-match.
In the Mix:
The GIANTS will be forced to make at least three changes for the trip to Western Australia. Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield have entered the AFL's 12-day concussion protocols, while Harry Perryman will spend a period on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring strain. Adam Kennedy was the GIANTS’ sub last weekend and will likely retain his spot after replacing Perryman early in the first quarter. Draftee Harry Rowston dominated the GIANTS’ VFL practice match last weekend and could be on the cusp of a debut, with No.1 pick Aaron Cadman also impressing throughout the encounter. Conor Stone and Cooper Hamilton were also notable standouts and could also come into the equation.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of the GIANTS' trip to Western Australia HERE.
Where to watch:
Sunday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 6pm.
Tickets:
GIANTS Fans wishing to purchase seats to this match can use the ticket link HERE.
The GIANTS member allocations will be located in sections 332,333 and 334 so other GIANTS fans are encouraged to purchase in those sections.
