When and Where:
Sunday, July 2 at 2:50pm CST/3:20pm EST
TIO Traeger Park | Arrernte Country
What it Means for the GIANTS:
Back-to-back wins over North Melbourne and Fremantle before the bye has the GIANTS sitting one win outside the top eight. The GIANTS’ draw in the back half of the season isn’t an easy one, but a win over the fourth-placed Demons this weekend could be the catalyst for a push towards September action.
Last Time We Met:
It’s been a while since we’ve played the Demons, and it wasn’t a very good day for the GIANTS. Leon Cameron’s side hung tough in the first half but were blown out of the water in the second half as the Demons set up a comprehensive 19.6 (120) to 7.11 (53) win at the MCG in round five last year.
Where’s the opposition at?
Melbourne fell just short against Geelong last weekend. In wet conditions at GMHBA Stadium, the Demons and Cats battled it out in a fierce contest, with the travelling team leading at the final break. But a quick swing in momentum saw Geelong take control of the game and seal a 11.12 (78) to 8.15 (63) win.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
GIANTS forward Toby Bedford will face his former side for the first time this weekend. The GIANTS sent pick 44 to Melbourne in exchange for the lively goal-kicker, who played 18 games over four seasons for the Demons after being selected at pick 75 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft. Bedford enjoyed an impressive pre-season after arriving at the GIANTS, winning both of the club’s 2km time trials before a hamstring injury in an intra-club match sidelined the 23-year-old. Bedford returned in time to make his debut for the GIANTS in Sydney Derby XXV, averaging 12.4 disposals and 5.5 tackles and has kicked six goals from his eight appearances in 2023.
In the Mix:
The GIANTS should regain Jesse Hogan, who was a late withdrawal from the win over Fremantle after a calf complaint. Nick Haynes will also be fit, having recovered from a rolled ankle over the bye break. Lachie Whitfield will go out of the team as he serves a one-match suspension, with Isaac Cumming a possiblereplacement. James Peatling (37 disposals, nine clearances) and Harry Rowston (28 disposals, one goal) were also impressive in the VFL prior to the break. Also set to return from a stint on the sidelines is veteran Phil Davis, who has missed several weeks with a calf injury. Davis is likely to return via the VFL alongside draftees Toby McMullin (groin) and Jason Gillbee (concussion). Small forward Brent Daniels continues to progress in his rehabilitation from his minor hamstring injury and is hopeful for a return in round 17.
VFL:
Casey Demons v GIANTS
Sunday, July 2 at 12:05pm
Casey Fields | Bunurong Country
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 Alice Springs, 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 3:00pm.
