The GIANTS have made two changes to the side that drew with Geelong, recalling a defender and a midfielder for Saturday’s clash with the Hawks in Launceston.
Young defender Harry Perryman and experienced midfielder Tendai Mzungu return to the GIANTS line up for the round 16 clash.
18-year-old Perryman was a little unlucky to go out of the team in the first place but after 29 touches and two goals in the NEAFL, he’s back in to play the fifth game of his career.
“We were impressed with Harry’s form over his first few games and he was just squeezed out a couple of weeks ago,” said coach Leon Cameron.
“But to his credit he’s gone back to the NEAFL and put in two strong performances to earn his spot for Saturday’s game.”
Also into the side is former Docker Mzungu who earned his first game in the orange and charcoal back in round one.
It wasn’t a dream club debut for the 31-year-old as he seriously injured his hamstring which kept him sidelined for the early part of the season.
“Tendai came to us as a rookie and forced his way into our best 22 for round one so it was unfortunate to have him miss a big chunk of the season early,” Cameron said.
“He’s been back training for a while now and has four NEAFL games under his belt so we’re confident he’s ready to go and we’re looking forward to giving him another opportunity at the top level.”
Out of the side goes last week’s debutant Jeremy Finlayson, who will be sidelined for six weeks after suffering a medial ligament strain just a quarter and a half into his first game.
Veteran Steve Johnson will miss this week with knee soreness while last week’s late withdrawals, Toby Greene (ankle) and Zac Williams (hamstring), weren’t passed fit for Saturday’s clash.
“Steve’s just a little sore and last week was a tough hit-out against Geelong so he won’t travel with the team this week and we’ll continue to monitor him closely in the weeks to come,” Cameron said.
“It’s disappointing both Toby and Zac will miss another week but we’re confident that the 22 that run out on Saturday will give it everything they’ve got against a Hawks outfit in really good form.”
Tune in as the GIANTS take on the Hawks in Launceston on Saturday at 1.45pm with live coverage on 7mate into NSW and the ACT and Fox Footy all around Australia.
As the GIANTS get set for another away trip, don’t forget to enter to be part of Virgin Australia’s Away Team with 22 lucky fans to win flights, Virgin Australia Lounge access, tickets and a host of GIANTS experiences when we take on Richmond at the MCG in round 18. Click here for more.
Round 16
Hawthorn v GIANTS
Saturday July 8, 1:45pm
University of Tasmania Stadium, Launceston
TEAM
FB: Adam Tomlinson, Phil Davis, Nathan Wilson
HB: Aidan Corr, Nick Haynes, Heath Shaw
C: Lachie Whitfield, Callan Ward, Tom Scully
HF: Devon Smith, Jeremy Cameron, Jonny Patton
FF: Matt de Boer, Rory Lobb, Daniel Lloyd
RR: Shane Mumford, Matt Kennedy, Dylan Shiel
Interchange: Tendai Mzungu, Harry Perryman, Josh Kelly, Sam Reid
In: Tendai Mzungu, Harry Perryman
Out: Jeremy Finlayson (knee), Steve Johnson (knee soreness)
Emergencies: Will Setterfield, Dawson Simpson, Zach Sproule
