Daniel Lloyd, Jeremy Finlayson and Harry Perryman return to the GIANTS’ side for Sydney Derby XV at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.
The GIANTS have been forced to make three changes with Heath Shaw (knee), Sam Reid (hamstring) and Josh Kelly (concussion) all ruled out with injury.
“We approached this week like every other week, we see it as an opportunity,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“Jeremy Finlayson, Harry Perryman and Daniel Lloyd are all obviously in good form and get their opportunity to step in and play some AFL footy in a big, A-grade game.
“The more experiences they get at that, the better off we’re going to be as a football club.
“As disappointing as it is to have three quality players go out, three good, young, quality players come in and are champing at the bit to play their role for the footy club.”
Lloyd and Perryman starred in the NEAFL GIANTS’ win over the Suns last weekend.
Lloyd kicked six goals, had eight inside 50s and collected 39 disposals, while Perryman was dynamic in the midfield, collecting 43 possessions, winning 12 clearances and kicking a goal.
Finlayson also collected 23 touches and had five tackles across half-back and will slot into the backline role vacated by Shaw, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Reid is expected to miss just one week with a hamstring injury while Kelly should also return next week after being knocked out after a heavy tackle from Crow Taylor Walker.
“Josh has progressed really well in the last couple of days,” Cameron said.
“By late Wednesday we had to make the decision that if he hasn’t passed everything, in terms of the concussion protocols, then time runs out and time will run out for Saturday’s game.
“The main thing is that every day he’s got better and better and he’s now symptom-free, but under the protocols he’ll run out of time.
“We’ve just got to make sure we look after him in preparation for the week after.”
There’s everything on the line for both sides in this week’s game with the GIANTS looking to hold on to their top-four spot at the Swans trying to secure a finals place.
“It’s a Derby but it’s also for spots on the ladder,” Cameron said.
“It’s round 22 and right at the pointy end of the season, so all the elements are adding up to a cracking game of footy because there’s ramifications for both teams, win or lose.
“With that draws a really good crowd and we’re tracking towards a sell-out, which is fantastic.
“Lots of Swans supporters will come along and there’ll be lots of GIANTS supporters there, so I just think it will be a great spectacle.
“These sorts of games are there to not only win and play a good brand of footy, but it creates an enormous amount of interest and attention on the game in NSW.”
GIANTS v Swans
Saturday, August 18 at 4:35pm
Spotless Stadium
FB: Adam Kennedy, Phil Davis, Adam Tomlinson
HB: Lachlan Keeffe, Nick Haynes, Harry Perryman
C: Jeremy Finlayson, Tim Taranto, Aiden Bonar
HF: Lachie Whitfield, Harry Himmelberg, Jacob Hopper
FF: Brent Daniels, Jeremy Cameron, Ryan Griffen
RR: Rory Lobb, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward
Interchange: Daniel Lloyd, Dylan Shiel, Matt Buntine, Zac Langdon
In: Jeremy Finlayson, Harry Perryman, Daniel Lloyd
Out: Heath Shaw (knee), Sam Reid (hamstring), Josh Kelly (concussion)
Emergencies: Isaac Cumming, Zach Sproule, Zac Williams, Dylan Buckley
