When and Where:
Saturday, May 6 at 7:30pm
Ngunnawal Country | Manuka Oval
What it Means for the GIANTS:
GIANTS coach Adam Kingsley said "anything's possible" for his team after watching them overturn a 24-point final-quarter deficit to defeat the Swans in a thrilling Sydney Derby XXV. The GIANTS currently sit with a 3-4 win-loss record and travel to Canberra full of confidence and momentum.
Last Time We Met:
The Bulldogs narrowly held on to record a five-point win over the GIANTS at Marvel Stadium last year. The Bulldogs were tested at every turn by a GIANTS side determined to overcome their rivals. After falling behind by four points at three-quarter time, Luke Beveridge's charges needed to respond, and they did just enough in the final quarter to secure a season-saving win. Stephen Coniglio (31 disposals, eight marks) and Josh Kelly (35 disposals, 12 marks, 600 metres gained) stood out for the GIANTS, while Harry Himmelberg's sensational move to defence continued with a 30 disposal, 12-mark outing.
Where’s the opposition at?
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge lauded his players' ability to grind out a result, ensuring captain Marcus Bontempelli celebrated his 200th game in style with a 29-point win over Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium last weekend. Trailing by three points heading into the main break, the ‘Dogs emerged after half-time with a point to prove – slotting seven of the next nine goals to overrun the Hawks 14.10 (94) to 9.11 (65). Dogs midfielder Tom Liberatore remains a test ahead of Saturday night’s clash in Canberra, recovering from a concussion. Hayden Crozier (ankle) and Jordon Sweet (bruised heel) were unavailable last week, with the pair on the improve and a chance to return.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
It just had to be Toby Greene to kick the match-winning goal as the GIANTS stunned the Swans at the SCG last weekend. With a brilliantly snapped right-foot goal inside the final minute, the GIANTS' superstar captain piloted his team to a remarkable come-from-behind win over their cross-town rival.
"He's an outstanding player, there's no question. He's been that for a long time," Kingsley said of Greene post-match.
"He's had that impact on games for a long period of time now and he just seizes those moments and looks for those opportunities where he can impact, and I thought he was fantastic.
"His ability to win the ball in contest is elite. Typically, when you go through all the elite players in the League, they all win contest, and his ability to do that in critical moments also is as good as anyone in the competition."
In the Mix:
Several GIANTS are closing in on returns after overcoming minor injury setbacks this week. Veterans Phil Davis, Daniel Lloyd and Lachlan Keeffe will all look to put their hands up to return, with all three set to undergo fitness tests later in the week. Inaugural GIANTS captain Callan Ward is set to return after serving a one-match suspension, with Jake Riccardi (20 disposals, 13 marks, four goals) and Wade Derksen (24 disposals, four tackles) in contention after starring for the GIANTS in the VFL.
VFL:
GIANTS v Footscray Bulldogs
Saturday, May 6 at 12:35pm
Darug Country | Blacktown International Sportspark
All VFL matches will be live streamed free on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
Visit: afl.com.au/stream-vfl and follow the links. All matches will be available to watch on demand.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of the GIANTS' trip to Canberra here.
Where to watch:
Saturday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 7pm.
