When and Where:
Sunday, April 9 at 2:10pm
Wurundjeri Country | Marvel Stadium
What it Means for the GIANTS:
Carlton overcame a spirited challenge from the GIANTS to seal a 10-point triumph at GIANTS Stadium last Saturday afternoon. The GIANTS kicked three consecutive goals either side of the last change to claim the lead until the Blues were awarded a controversial free kick in the goal square late in the final term to record a 9.20 (74) to 9.10 (64) win. The GIANTS will take confidence in the trip to Marvel Stadium, holding a strong recent record against Essendon, winning four of the last five encounters against them.
Last Time We Met:
The GIANTS kicked seven consecutive goals to pull away from Essendon and record a 27-point win at GIANTS Stadium late last year. Lachie Whitfield re-discovered his rebound and dash off half-back with a game-high 30 disposals for 549 metres gained to seal a 14.12 (96) to 10.9 (69) win for the GIANTS.
Where’s the opposition at?
St Kilda maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard-fought 18-point victory over Essendon at the MCG last weekend. Despite trailing by 34-points early in the match, the Bombers drew level in the final quarter before St Kilda steadied with a five-goal burst to record a 14.8 (92) to 11.8 (74) win and subsequently handing the Bombers their first loss of the season.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
After sitting out the trip to Western Australia with concussion, the returning Josh Kelly continued the rich vein of form that he has experienced against Carlton in recent years. The GIANTS vice-captain has averaged 33.2 disposals and 6.4 clearances in his last five games against the Blues, and Saturday's outing was equally as impressive, registering 30 disposals, nine tackles and six clearances for the GIANTS.
In the Mix:
Josh Fahey (43 disposals) was the stand-out performer for the GIANTS as they recorded their first win of the VFL season at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Draftees Max Gruzewski (four goals) and Aaron Cadman (three goals) were also both impressive, with experienced defenders Phil Davis and Lachlan Keeffe and ruck Kieren Briggs all likely to come into contention for AFL selection this week. Midfielder Xavier O’Halloran has returned to training following a quad injury and is due to play his first game of the season this weekend.
VFL:
The GIANTS’ VFL side take on Coburg at Piranha Park on Saturday at 11:45am.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of the GIANTS' trip to Marvel Stadium here.
Where to watch:
Sunday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on Channel 7 in NSW and the ACT from 2pm.
Tickets:
GIANTS fans who wish to purchase tickets to Sunday’s clash can do so via the Ticketmaster event page here. GIANTS fans are encouraged to sit near the GIANTS Cheer Squad Located in Level 1, Aisle 25.
