The GIANTS have made three changes ahead of their round nine clash with the Bombers on Saturday afternoon.
Returning to the side is vice-captain Stephen Coniglio, who is set to bolster the GIANTS’ midfield for inaugural co-captain Callan Ward’s 300th AFL game.
The 30-year-old has missed the past three games after suffering a minor knee injury in round five.
Also strengthening Saturday’s side is utility Nick Haynes. The inaugural GIANT played the opening two games of the season and has since shown his leadership and experience in the VFL over the past weeks to return to the side.
Haynes had 38 touches and 14 marks against the Swans in the VFL last weekend as well as 36 disposals and 17 marks the week prior.
Between Haynes and Coniglio, the duo add over 400 games back into a GIANTS side eager to return to the winners’ list.
Youngster Conor Stone has also earned a return to Adam Kingsley’s side for the round nine clash.
The 2020 draftee played five games in his debut season in 2021 but has struggled to find consistency in his form and availability, having to overcome persistent soft tissue injuries.
The 22-year-old has been on the cusp of selection following impressive form in the VFL, averaging 16.8 disposals and 2.8 goals a game. Stone has kicked three goals in each of the club’s past four VFL matches for 15 goals for the season to sit equal-second on the VFL goal kickers leaderboard.
Midfielder Tom Green participated in main training on Thursday and is set to take his place in the line-up for Saturday’s match after being subbed out of last week’s Derby with an ankle injury.
James Peatling and Jacob Wehr have both been omitted this week, while Callum Brown will serve a three-week suspension for rough conduct.
Saturday’s game will mark milestone matches for two of the GIANTS’ best, with Ward set to celebrate game number 300 and All-Australian defender Sam Taylor set to play game 100.
The GIANTS will take on the Bombers this Saturday at Marvel Stadium.
Round 9
Bombers v GIANTS
Saturday, May 11 at 4:35pm
Marvel Stadium | Wurundjeri Country
FB: Connor Idun, Sam Taylor, Harry Perryman
HB: Lachie Whitfield, Jack Buckley, Lachie Ash
C: Nick Haynes, Josh Kelly, Finn Callaghan
HF: Brent Daniels, Aaron Cadman, Toby Bedford
FF: Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Harvey Thomas
RR: Kieren Briggs, Callan Ward, Stephen Coniglio
Interchange: Darcy Jones, Tom Green, Harry Himmelberg, Jake Riccardi, Conor Stone
Ins: Stephen Coniglio, Nick Haynes, Conor Stone
Outs: James Peatling, Jacob Wehr (omitted), Callum Brown (suspended)
Emergencies: James Peatling, Jacob Wehr, Max Gruzewski
