Two GIANTS will make their long-awaited return to the game this weekend, with Isabel Huntington and Emily Pease set to return following respective ACL injuries.
Pease – a season seven Rising Star Nominee – missed the final three rounds of last season with an ACL injury which has seen her sidelined for the past 340 days.
The former Belconnen Magpie made her AFLW debut in round two of season six, earning the club’s Rising Star award at the end of her nine-game season.
Impressing with her endurance, ability to defend and willingness to take on the opposition, the 21-year-old will be a handy addition to the GIANTS’ midfield this weekend.
Meanwhile, former number one draft pick Isabel Huntington is set to return from her third ACL injury.
Saturday’s game against the Tigers will mark the 23-year-old's first AFLW game in 616 days and her first game in the orange and charcoal.
The key forward joined the GIANTS ahead of last season, following five seasons and 20 games with the Western Bulldogs.
GIANTS coach Cam Bernasconi said he was excited by this week’s inclusions.
“It’s fantastic to welcome back Peasey [Emily Pease] and Izzy,” he said.
“The pair, among a few ACL rehabbers, have been working really hard so it’s fantastic that all that hard work has paid off and that they’re back in the mix.
“We’ve seen what Em can do so hopefully she picks up where she left off and continues to emerge as one of the best hard-running midfielders in the game.
“And Izzy, I'm so excited to see how she can contribute to the orange and charcoal. Her footy knowledge is so valuable, and I can’t to see what she can do.”
Veteran Annalyse Lister also returns to the side after being a last-minute withdrawal for last week’s clash with the Demons with calf soreness.
Cambridge McCormick, Caitlin Miller (omitted) and Madison Brazendale (ankle) make way for the incoming trio.
Brazendale will be sidelined for an extended period of time, with scans this week confirming she will require surgery for the ankle injury sustained in last week’s loss to the Demons.
The GIANTS will play their first home game in Sydney this Saturday when they host the Tigers at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Match Details
GIANTS v Tigers
Sunday, September 16 at 1:05pm
Blacktown International Sportspark | Darug Country
Team:
FB: Jodie Hicks, Pepa Randall
HB: Chloe Dalton, Grace Hill, Tarni Evans
C: Emily Pease, Alyce Parker, Alicia Eva
HF: Zarlie Goldsworthy, Haneen Zreika, Isabel Huntington
FF: Georgia Garnett, Brodee Mowbray
RR: Fleur Davies, Annalyse Lister, Nicola Barr
Interchange: Katherine Smith, Teagan Germech, Ally Dallaway, Jessica Doyle, Rebecca Beeson
Emergencies: Cambridge McCormick, Jasmine Grierson, Caitlin Miller
Ins: Isabel Huntington, Emily Pease, Annalyse Lister
Outs: Cambridge McCormick, Caitlin Miller (omitted), Madison Brazendale (injured)
