The GIANTS have named their team for Opening Round, with draftee Harvey Thomas set to make his AFL debut.
The GIANTS Academy product was taken with pick 59 in the 2023 AFL Draft and has been quick to make the most of his opportunities to impress and earn selection in Adam Kingsley’s first team of the season.
A smooth-moving left-footer capable of playing across all three lines, the 176cm dynamo has quickly found a home across half-forward.
South Australian Jacob Wehr has also earnt selection in the first team of the season, looking to build on his 14-game career.
The classy wingman managed just four games last season, with a shoulder injury in round two sidelining the youngster for multiple months.
Nick Haynes has also been included in the team of 23, off the back of his performance in the AAMI Community Series match in Canberra last week.
Haynes joins the formidable GIANTS’ backline, with the likes of Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley and Connor Idun looking to pick up where they left off in season 2023.
Key forward Jesse Hogan and fifth year GIANT Lachie Ash also return to the side after being rested for last week’s 44-point practice match win over the Suns.
The GIANTS have named an extended five-person bench and will name their medical sub 60 minutes out from bounce.
Harry Perryman, Finn Callaghan and Isaac Cumming were the notable players not available for selection due to injury. For the latest injury news click here.
The GIANTS and the Magpies will play in front of a sell-out crowd at ENGIE Stadium (formerly GIANTS Stadium), with first bounce to get underway at 7:30pm.
Saturday night’s match will be broadcast live on Channel 7, Fox Footy and Kayo nationally from 7pm.
Opening Round
GIANTS v Collingwood
Saturday, March 9 at 7:30pm
ENGIE Stadium (formerly GIANTS Stadium) | Wangal Country
FB: Harry Himmelberg, Sam Taylor, Connor Idun
HB: Lachie Whitfield, Jack Buckley, Lachie Ash
C: Xavier O'Halloran, Josh Kelly, Jacob Wehr
HF: Brent Daniels, Jake Riccardi, Toby Bedford
FF: Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Callum Brown
RR: Kieren Briggs, Stephen Coniglio, Tom Green
Interchange: Callan Ward, Harvey Thomas, Nick Haynes, Toby McMullin, Aaron Cadman
Emergencies: Lachlan Keeffe, Ryan Angwin, James Peatling
