All Australian defender Nick Haynes and rising star Finn Callaghan return to the GIANTS’ line up to take on the Gold Coast Suns at Manuka Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Versatile defender Haynes missed last week’s come-from-behind win over the Crows while serving a one-match suspension for rough conduct.
Young midfielder Callaghan was a late withdrawal on game day with a minor hip issue, with the rising star nominee completing full training on Friday to confirm his return to the side.
Key forward Jesse Hogan will miss Sunday’s match after injuring his quad at training this week. Scans revealed the goal-kicker will miss the next couple of weeks as he recovers from the minor strain.
Local product Josh Fahey will play his first game in his home town as the sub for Sunday’s clash, with the GIANTS gunning for their sixth win in a row.
Coach Adam Kingsley said it’s a contest his side are looking forward to as they aim to turn Manuka Oval back into a home-ground fortress.
“We’re really looking forward to Sunday’s match,” he said.
“The Suns had a great win last weekend under a new coach, and we know that a coach change often frees teams up and it’s certainly not a game we’re taking lightly.
“The Suns have been strong through their midfield the entire season and I expect that’s where the battle will be won and lost.
“It’s great to welcome back Nick Haynes from suspension and Finn Callaghan after we managed him last week – they're both important parts of our side and I expect them to have an impact on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s unfortunate to lose Jesse this week but Iike we covered a few late outs last week; I expect our whole forward line to step up in his absence and put in a good performance against the Suns.
“As I said earlier in the week, we want Manuka Oval to be a fortress for us, so we’re really keen to get out there and put on a show for our Canberra faithful.”
The GIANTS take on the Gold Coast at Manuka Oval on Sunday at 1:10pm with tickets available from Ticketek.
Match Details
GIANTS v Gold Coast Suns
Sunday, July 23 at 1:10pm
Manuka Oval | Ngunnawal Country
Team
FB: Jack Buckley, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun
HB: Lachie Ash, Harry Himmelberg, Lachie Whitfield
C: Josh Kelly, Callan Ward, Finn Callaghan
HF: Daniel Lloyd, Jake Riccardi, Toby Bedford
FF: Brent Daniels, Aaron Cadman, Toby Greene
RR: Kieren Briggs, Harry Perryman, Stephen Coniglio
Interchange: Callum Brown, Nick Haynes, Isaac Cumming, Ryan Angwin
In: Finn Callaghan, Nick Haynes
Out: Jacob Wehr (omitted), Jesse Hogan (quad)
Emergencies: Josh Fahey, Jacob Wehr, Matt Flynn, Toby McMullin
