The GIANTS have two big inclusions for the club’s first-ever trip to Alice Springs, with Jesse Hogan and Isaac Cumming returning to the side.
Forward Hogan returns to the side after being a late withdrawal from the GIANTS’ big win over the Dockers in round 14, with the contested marking machine kicking 24 goals so far this season.
Coach Adam Kingsley welcomed the spearhead’s return.
“Jesse trained really well this week so we really looking forward to welcoming him back as a key focal target ahead of the ball,” Kingsley said.
"He’s had a really consistent season so far and was very close to playing against the Dockers so is ready to go this week.”
Defender Cumming has been recalled to the side and will play his first game since round eight. The 24-year-old returned from a calf injury via the VFL just prior to the bye with the emerging star collecting 29 disposals.
“He’s a really important player for us and we’ve had great competition for spots – particularly in that backline – which is a great problem to have,” Kingsley said.
Out of the side is defender Lachie Whitfield, who will miss this week’s match with suspension, while young forward Aaron Cadman has been omitted.
Despite a trend of clubs coming off the bye losing the following week, Kingsley is optimistic his much-improved side can take down the top-four Dees, who head into the game as favourites.
“We’re looking forward to getting back into it following the week off,” he said.
“Everyone feels refreshed and eager to continue the form we’ve started to show across the first half of the season.
“We’ve prepared really well and are really looking forward to heading to Alice Springs for the first time to take on a really strong Demons side.
“We want to test ourselves against the best and Melbourne will certainly be a great challenge.”
The GIANTS take on Melbourne at TIO Traeger Park on Sunday at 3:20pm.
Match Details:
Melbourne Demons v GIANTS
Sunday, July 2 at 3:20pm AEST/2:50pm ACST
TIO Traeger Park | Arrernte Country
Team:
FB: Jack Buckley, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun
HB: Lachie Ash, Harry Himmelberg, Nick Haynes
C: Josh Kelly, Callan Ward, Finn Callaghan
HF: Daniel Lloyd, Jake Riccardi, Toby Bedford
FF: Xavier O’Halloran, Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene
RR: Kieren Briggs, Tom Green, Stephen Coniglio
Interchange: Callum Brown, Harry Perryman, Isaac Cumming, Lachlan Keeffe
In: Jesse Hogan, Isaac Cumming
Out: Lachie Whitfield (suspension), Aaron Cadman (omitted)
Emergencies: Aaron Cadman, Matt Flynn, Ryan Angwin, Josh Fahey
