GIANTS big man Lachlan Keeffe returns to the GIANTS’ side to take on the Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday afternoon.
The versatile veteran returns from three weeks out with a hamstring injury for his 104th career game.
Keeffe comes into the side for fellow tall, Nick Haynes, who will be the sub for Saturday’s clash.
Coach Adam Kingsley knows there’s plenty on the line when the two teams face off for the first time in Ballarat.
"We're playing teams around us all fighting for positions in the top eight. Anything's possible still with five games left," Kingsley said.
"It is like a finals game this week particularly against the Bulldogs.
"Not that we build it up any more than other games. We prepare the same way, but you understand the importance of each game, no doubt."
It’s the first time the GIANTS take on the Bulldogs in regional Victoria but it’s not the club’s first visit to Mars Stadium, with the GIANTS hosting the Suns in the COVID-affected season of 2021.
Kingsley said he has great confidence in his side’s record away from home, with the trip south holding no fear.
"From round four, we're six and one away from home,” he said.
“We take great confidence out of that and going down to Ballarat.
“It'll be new, but Alice Springs was new, so we don't fear it. We'll plan for the Bulldogs' best and try and deliver our best."
The GIANTS take on the Bulldogs at Mars Stadium at 1:45pm on Saturday afternoon.
Match Details:
Western Bulldogs v GIANTS
Saturday, July 29 at 1:45pm
Mars Stadium | Wadawurrung Country
Team:
FB: Jack Buckley, Sam Taylor, Isaac Cumming
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, Lachlan Keeffe, Connor Idun, Ryan Angwin
In: Lachlan Keeffe
Out: Nick Haynes (sub)
Emergency: Nick Haynes, Josh Fahey, Matt Flynn, Jacob Wehr
