When and Where:
Sunday, April 16 at 2:50pm CST/3:20pm EST
Kaurna Country | Norwood Oval
What it Means for the GIANTS:
Essendon overcame inaccuracy in front of goal to record a 13-point win over the GIANTS, their first win against the club since 2019, at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon. GIANTS coach Adam Kingsley admitted post-match the GIANTS had work to do after being outworked around the ball, with Gather Round providing the perfect opportunity for the GIANTS to make amends.
Last Time We Met:
Callum Brown was the difference for the GIANTS in their 22-point win against Hawthorn at a rain-soaked GIANTS Stadium in round 16 last year. Playing in just his fourth game, Brown kicked four goals in the 11.6 (72) to 7.8 (50) win. Jesse Hogan and Jacob Wehr each added two goals, with Lachie Whitfield (32 disposals), Stephen Coniglio (31 disposals), and Josh Kelly (30 disposals) also amongst the GIANTS’ best.
Where’s the opposition at?
Geelong recorded their first win of the season after taking down Hawthorn by 82 points on Easter Monday at the MCG. The Hawks kicked the first three goals of the game and should have led by more than nine points at half-time, but it was a complete annihilation after the main break. Geelong kicked 10 goals to no score in a third quarter onslaught, before finishing with 16 of the final 17 goals to defeat the Hawks 19.13 (127) to 6.9 (45). Sam Mitchell’s side will likely be without Will Day for Gather Round after the 21-year-old was suspended for two weeks for a sling tackle by the MRO.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
Veteran Callan Ward was amongst the GIANTS’ best in the defeat to Essendon, playing an impressive match as a high half-forward. The inaugural GIANTS co-captain has reinvented himself in the new role under Adam Kingsley, registering two goals from his 22 disposals on Sunday afternoon.
In the Mix:
There were no injuries out of the GIANTS’ loss to Essendon last weekend, however, former co-captain Phil Davis unfortunately injured himself just before half-time in the VFL’s win over Coburg with scans revealing a groin strain that will sideline him for a few weeks. Wade Derksen (five goals) was the stand-out performer for the GIANTS in the VFL, with Kieren Briggs (27 hit-outs, 24 disposals and 16 clearances) also pushing for senior selection after yet another strong display in the ruck. Josh Fahey (33 disposals, eight marks) continued his impressive early-season form, whilst number one pick Aaron Cadman will also come into consideration for his AFL debut after travelling to Melbourne as an emergency last weekend. Toby Bedford (hamstring), Leek Aleer (quad) and Harry Perryman (hamstring) won't be ready this week but are all edging closer to their returns to the field.
VFL:
Bye round.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of the GIANTS' trip to South Australia here.
Where to watch:
The GIANTS’ clash against the Hawks will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 3pm EST.
